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Questions and Answers
What is the primary objective of minimizing the use of sharps in the Class 2 facility?
What is recommended for individuals working with human tissue in the Class 2 facility?
How should unused hands be positioned when handling sharps?
What should be done with used needles?
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Why is it important to have a sharps waste container nearby?
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What should you do if a sharp has been accidentally dropped?
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What should you do to prevent spillage or tampering when carrying a sharps container?
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How should non-disposable sharps be cleaned?
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Why is it important to follow these guidelines for handling sharps?
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Where can you find further information on handling sharps in the laboratory?
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Study Notes
Code of Practice for the Use of Sharps in the Class 2 Facility
- The use of sharps or glass in the facility should be avoided to limit the risk of accidental inoculation.
- Alternative devices or procedures, blunt needles, needle-free devices, or safer use sharps with inbuilt protection devices should be considered.
- Scalpel blade removal devices or disposable units can be used instead of sharps.
- Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended to individuals with moderate to high risk of exposure, particularly those working with human tissue.
- Anyone working with human tissue should contact Occupational Health to arrange immunization against Hepatitis B.
Handling Sharps
- When handling a sharp, the unused hand should be kept away from the sharp to reduce the likelihood of injury.
- Sharps must not be passed directly from person to person, and handling should be kept to a minimum.
- Sharps must not be left lying around, and used needles must not be re-sheathed unless there is a safe method available.
- A sharps waste container should be available close to the point of use, and sharps should be disposed of as soon as possible after use.
Disposal and Transportation of Sharps
- Sharps waste containers should be closed when carrying or left unsupervised to prevent spillage or tampering.
- Sharps should not be carried in the hand or in the pocket, and should be placed in a rigid container or tray when transporting.
- If a sharp has been accidentally dropped, it must be retrieved and disposed of properly, and others should be warned if it cannot be retrieved.
Cleaning and Decontamination of Sharps
- Non-disposable sharps (e.g., forceps, bow spring scissors) should be cleaned using 70% Ethanol, rinsed several times in distilled water, left to dry, and then dry heat baked to 150°C.
- Further information on cleaning and decontamination can be found in the Risk Assessment/SOP -- CL2 sharps waste.
Further Guidance and Information
- Further advice and information can be provided by the School Health and Safety Coordinator, the Departmental Biological Safety Coordinator, or the Chair of Health and Safety.
- The purpose of this document is to minimize the risk of injury and infection from contaminated sharps.
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Description
This quiz covers the guidelines for the safe handling and use of sharps in a Class 2 facility, including the importance of avoiding sharps and using alternative devices or procedures.
