Lab Safety: Handling Sharps in Class 2 Facility

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.