Next week is International Infection Prevention Week, so here's a safety talk to share with your workers on sharps and bloodborne illnesses. This information is important for not only workers in a healthcare setting, but also for custodians, park maintenance and groundskeepers.

Not All Sharps Are Needles

When you think of sharps, your mind probably goes to needles. But the definition of sharps includes any object that might penetrate the skin and cause an exposure to contaminated blood or other infectious materials.

Items you encounter daily that could result in injury or illness include:

• Broken glass
• Razor blades or scalpels
• Broken pipettes and glass capillary tubes
• Lancets
• Exposed ends of dental wire
• Dental knives and drills

These sharps need to be included as part of the program that protects you from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as AIDS and Hepatitis B.

Disposing of Sharps

Once they have been used and discarded, scalpels and lancets must have engineering controls as outlined by safety regulatory agencies to protect you from exposure. A protective covering slides over the used blade.

For some items, like the ends of dental wire, a covering may not be possible. These sharps must be discarded into a leak-proof container that is rigid so that the blade, wire or glass cannot cut through.

You should also consider how to safely handle sharps as you dispose of them. Some items seem harmless, but deserve care and attention. These include glass capillary tubes and pipettes, which can puncture your skin and, like needles, can contain small amounts of blood or other infectious materials. This type of injury is especially common when the tubes accidentally break. Do not handle broken pieces of glass with your bare hands. Instead, use a broom, dustpan or brush for the larger visible pieces, then use mechanical aids to assist you in the final cleanup.

When you dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant containers, fill them only two-thirds full. You can usually see the discarded material through the container. And never put your hand into the container. Many experienced workers have done this and suffered the consequences.

Wear Your PPE

When disposing sharps, always wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles or a face shield. Personal protective equipment will protect you not only from cuts, but also from possibly inhaling material that might become aerosolized, especially if you use a vacuum during the cleanup process.

Conclusion

Sharps come in many forms. Handle and discard all sharps properly and safely to reduce your risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

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