Handling and Disposing of Sharps

• Biohazards due to potential contamination from sharps
• Blood born pathogens (such as: HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV) & Hepatitis C (HCV))

Physical:

• Risk of punctures or cuts

• Properly labeled and puncture-proof sharps disposal container
• Tongs, tweezers, or hand clamps

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Puncture-resistant gloves (e.g., Kevlar)
• Gloves (e.g., waterproof, non-latex, neoprene, etc.)
• Safety Eyewear

• Health and Safety Orientation
• WHMIS/HazCom Training on biohazardous materials

1. Wear appropriate PPE:
   1. Put on puncture-resistant (Kevlar) gloves and safety eyewear before handling sharps.
      1. Gloves: If puncture-resistant gloves are unavailable, use heavy-duty work gloves or double layers of non-latex or vinyl gloves. Be aware this may not provide the same level of protection but can act as an interim measure.
      2. Eyewear: If safety eyewear is unavailable, use any available protective barriers, such as face shields, goggles, or prescription eyeglasses. Ensure the barrier partially shields the eyes from potential splashes.
2. Use tools for pickup:
   1. Use tongs, tweezers, or hand clamps to handle sharp objects.
   2. If these tools are not available, consider using:
      1. Disposable pieces of cardboard or stiff paper to safely scoop sharps into a container.
      2. Other sturdy implements, such as kitchen tongs (if no standard tools are in the workplace).
      3. Use a broom and dustpan to dispose of sharps in a container.
      4. If using makeshift or non-standard tools, dispose of them after use or disinfect them thoroughly based on biohazard cleaning protocols.
3. Last resort – Use caution with hands:
   1. When no tools or proper PPE are available (only as a last resort).
   2. Use extreme caution to pick up sharps staying aware of the needle end at all times.

During Operation

1. Place Sharps in a disposal container:
   1. Sharps must be disposed of in an official Sharps disposal container.
   2. If an official container is not available, use an alternative hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid (e.g., detergent bottle). Ensure the container is:
      1. Labeled with “Sharps,” “Syringes,” or “Needles.”
      2. Puncture-proof, leak-proof, and closable.
2. Avoid unsafe contact with the Sharps:
   1. Never insert fingers into the opening of a Sharps disposal container.
   2. Under no circumstances should needles be recapped after use.
3. Responding to an accidental puncture or exposure
   1. If punctured or exposed to sharps:
      1. Immediately flush the area with water.
      2. Report the incident to your direct supervisor for documentation.
      3. Seek medical attention promptly to minimize health risks.

Post Operation

1. Wash hands immediately after handling Sharps:
   1. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after disposing of sharps.
2. Store Sharps Disposal Container Safely:
   1. Secure the sharps container in a safe location, clearly labeled and out of reach of unauthorized personnel, children, and pets.
3. Dispose of Full Containers Per Guidelines:
   1. When a sharps disposal container reaches three-quarters full or hits the indicated fill line:
      1. Securely seal the container lid.
      2. Dispose of the container in accordance with community or region-specific regulations.
   2. Never discard loose sharps into regular trash or recycling containers.