Needlestick Injuries (Handling and Disposal of Sharps)

The handling of needles and sharps in science Schools and Research Institutes should already be adequately covered by Schools/Research Institutes codes of practice.

There is nevertheless a chance of sharps and needles being found anywhere on the University campus, which may endanger anyone, particularly CBE staff.

The following “Procedures for the safe disposal of hypodermic needles including action following a suspected needlestick injury” should be adhered to.

PROCEDURES FOR THE SAFE DISPOSAL OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES INCLUDING ACTION FOLLOWING A SUSPECTED NEEDLESTICK INJURY

Background

These procedures provide a safe system of work to dispose of hypodermic needles, syringes or other sharps which may be found discarded in areas controlled by the University.  The procedures go beyond those already in place in connection with Schools or Research Institutes use, or for medical use for example in controlling diabetes etc. 

The procedure also provides first aid advice should a needlestick injury occur.  A needlestick injury is where the skin is punctured by a hypodermic needle and any risk can be minimised by following these procedures.  Schools and Research Institutes which have developed their own needlestick procedures should ensure they include this latest guidance.

Biohazard Kits

Biohazard kits comprising a sharps disposal box, disposable gloves, clinical waste sacks and tweezers have been issued to the following areas.

  • Accommodation Service Managers’ offices in Halls of Residence

  • All catering outlets

  • Students’ Union Reception

  • Security Office, Darwin Building

  • Sports Centre Reception

  • Estates and Development

  • Chancellor’s Building Reception

  • Library Reception Desk

Training

Suitable and sufficient staff training will be provided by the Department of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS).  Relevant Heads in the above areas should ensure that there are adequate numbers of trained staff available to implement these procedures.  They should keep the DOHS informed when staff changes take place so that training can be implemented.  A training record will be maintained in the DOHS and copied to Schools, Research Institutes & other Departments.

Maintenance of Equipment

Heads of Schools, Research Institutes & Departments should designate suitable staff to ensure that kits are properly maintained.  Supplies of sharps containers, disposable gloves, clinical waste bags and tweezers are available from the DOHS.  Inspection of these kits should form part of a planned maintenance programme within the department.

DISCOVERY OF A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE, SYRINGE OR OTHER SIMILAR SHARP MATERIAL

Halls of Residence

When a syringe or needle is found by any member of staff it must not be touched.  The Accommodation Services Manager must be contacted giving its location.  When the Housekeeper is not available staff must contact the Cleaning Manager at the Darwin Building where a Hall Steward will be contacted by radio-pager.  Where the Cleaning Manager is not available, the Duty Supervisor must be contacted.  If possible the needle or syringe should not be left unattended.

Other Areas

Information on the discovery of a discarded item falling within this category in any other area should be appropriate to trigger the necessary action.

Action

Once informed, the person trained in these procedures will collect the Biohazard Kit and go to the location of the item and remove it in the following way.

  • Put on the disposable gloves.

  • Open Sharps container by pressing the marked part of the lid.

  • If the needle and syringe are separate, pick up the needle VERY CAREFULLY using the tweezers and place it in the Sharps container, pointed end first.  Pick up the syringe carefully by gloved hand (do not use the tweezers) and place it in the Sharps container pointed end first.

  • If the needle and syringe are still joined together, pick up the item by hand VERY CAREFULLY by holding the syringe barrel and place it in the Sharps container needle end first.

  • Close the Sharps Container and return it to the Biohazard kit.

  • Replace the tweezers in the kit box. Discard the gloves. 

If the tweezers become soiled they should be washed with soap and water, dried and then replaced in the Biohazard kit).

  • Ensure there is still a new pair of disposable gloves in the kit. If not spares may be obtained from DOHS.  See below.

DISPOSAL OF THE FULL SHARPS CONTAINER

  • When the sharps container is full to the mark the lid should be pressed firmly to lock it. The container should be put in the small clinical waste bag and brought to DOHS where it can be exchanged for a new one. Gloves and the other contents of the kit may also be obtained.
  • DOHS is situated in room DH 0.11 of the Dorothy Hodgkin Building

FIRST AID TREATMENT FOLLOWING SUSPECTED NEEDLESTICK INJURY

Supervisors must ensure that they and their staff are familiar with and follow the steps below:

In the event of a suspected needlestick injury or other blood contamination incident e.g. blood in eyes or mouth, the injured person MUST:

  • In the case of a needlestick injury make the wound bleed, and wash with soap and water.

  • In the case of a contamination incident, wash the mouth or eyes with cold water, or use an eyewash if provided;

  • Advise the Occupational Health Service (OHS) by telephoning the Occupational Health Manager 33133 or OH Nurse Adviser on 33543. In their absence, telephone (01782) 715444 and ask for the Consultant Microbiologist on call.

  • Unless already informed, advise the OHS on the next available working day.

  • Ensure the incident is reported to the relevant supervisor, for submission on an Accident and Dangerous Occurrence Report Form.

  • University employees in the Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine, Hartshill Campus, wards, laboratories and other Trust property must follow the Trust Blood Borne Pathogens Policy.

After consulting with the OHS or the Medical Microbiologist you will be advised of what further action you need to take, if any.

Counselling, if necessary, will be available from the Staff Counselling Service.

APPROVED BY DOHS 25 July 2007

Minor amendments 8 May 2012