What Is It?

The classification of sharps includes needles, scalpels, razor blades, stitch cutters, broken glass, auto lancets, IV cannula stilettes, and IV giving set spikes.

Sharps injuries can occur in any healthcare setting, including home healthcare and long-term care facilities.

Injuries most often occur

During the use of a sharp device on a resident

After use and before disposal of a sharp device

During or after appropriate or inappropriate disposal of sharp devices

It's essential to minimise the handling of sharps. Precautions must be taken when

Handling any sharp instruments

Cleaning used instruments

Disposing of used needles

Guidelines for Handling Sharps

Sharps must not be passed by hand from one healthcare worker to any other person

Dispose of sharps in the yellow sharps container

When using a sharp object, you are responsible for its immediate safe disposal following its use

All sharps must be disposed of in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof, yellow sharps container immediately after use

Use care when disposing of items in the sharps container and never force or push sharps into the sharps container

Sharps containers must be closed securely when ¾ full or when the fill level is reached to prevent overfilling and the risk of injury

Sharps containers must be taken to or located as close as practicable to the area where the sharps are used and should be placed so they are not easily accessible by visitors and children (e.g., 1.1m - 1.3m from the floor)

Do not re-sheath needles

Do not bend or break needles before disposal

Used needles and syringes must be disposed of as a single unit. This requires the use of puncture-proof injection trays to carry the needle and syringe to and from the resident, or the sharps container taken to the bedside or site where the needle and syringe are to be used to enable safe disposal.

If a sharps injury occurs, apply the first aid management necessary and report the injury.