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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 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?
What is recommended for individuals working with human tissue in the Class 2 facility?
How should unused hands be positioned when handling sharps?
How should unused hands be positioned when handling sharps?
What should be done with used needles?
What should be done with used needles?
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Why is it important to have a sharps waste container nearby?
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?
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?
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?
How should non-disposable sharps be cleaned?
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Why is it important to follow these guidelines for handling sharps?
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?
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.
