1. Needle Stick and Sharps Injuries
Procedures for Effectively Handling Sharps Injuries

2. What are “sharps”?
Sharps are devices that are intentionally sharp to puncture or cut skin (needles, scalpels, etc.), or become sharp due to accident, such as broken glass tubes.
Hypodermic needles
Scalpels
IV devices
Capillary tubes
Glass containers
Pipettes
Others

3. Who is at risk for sharps injuries?
Any worker who may come in contact with contaminated sharps is at risk, including nursing staff, lab workers, doctors and housekeepers.
The main issue is contamination from blood or other potentially infectious materials (“OPIM”).

4. How common are sharps injuries?
Estimates indicate that 600,000 to 800,000 needle stick injuries occur each year.
Unfortunately, about half of these injuries are not reported.
ALWAYS REPORT sharps injuries to your employer to ensure that you receive appropriate follow-up care.

5. What infections can be caused by sharps injuries?
Sharps injuries can expose workers to a number of bloodborne pathogens that can cause serious or fatal infections. The pathogens that pose the most serious health risks are
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) the virus that causes AIDS

6. Quick FACT: HBV vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers (unless they are immune because of previous exposure). HBV vaccine has proven to be highly effective in preventing infection in workers exposed to HBV. However, no vaccine exists to prevent HCV or HIV infection.

7. HBV Vaccinations
OSHA requires that employers offer potentially exposed workers HBV vaccinations, free of charge.
Records must be maintained of these immunizations, OR
A prescribed refusal form must be maintained on file, if the worker refuses to accept the vaccination.
Workers may change their minds at any time and request the vaccination.

8. What kinds of devices usually cause sharps injuries?
Hypodermic needles
Blood collection needles
Suture needles
Needles used in IV delivery systems
Scalpels

9. Increasing the risk of sharps injuries
Past studies show sharps injuries are often associated with these activities:
Recapping needles or other devices
Transferring a body fluid between containers
Failing to dispose of used needles or other devices properly in puncture-resistant sharps containers

10. Protecting yourself from needle stick injuries
Avoid the use of needles where safe alternatives are available.
Help your employer select and evaluate devices with safety features that reduce the risk of injury.
Use devices with safety features provided by your employer.
Do not recap needles or scalpels.
Plan for safe handling and disposal of sharps before using them.

11. Protecting yourself continued…
Report all needle stick and sharps-related injuries promptly to ensure that you receive appropriate follow-up care.
Tell your employer about any sharps hazards you observe.
Participate in training related to infection prevention.
Get a Hepatitis B vaccination.

12. OSHA Requires Employers to:
Have a written Exposure Plan for Bloodborne Pathogens.
Use work practice and engineering methods to minimize exposure.
Solicit worker input for selection of safer (engineered) sharps devices.
Maintain a sharps incident/injury log.
Provide post-exposure follow up, care and counseling for workers who sustain sharps injuries.
Sharps fall under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, 29 CFR

13. Examples of Safer Needle Devices
Needleless Connector Systems: Needleless connectors for IV delivery systems

14. Examples of Safer Needle Devices
Self-Sheathing Safety Feature: Sliding needle shields attached to disposable syringes and vacuum tube holders
Before use
After use

15. Examples of Safer Needle Devices
Retractable Technology: Needles or sharps that retract into a syringe, vacuum tube holder or back into the device.

16. Examples of Safer Needle Devices
Self Blunting Technology: Self-blunting phlebotomy and winged-steel “butterfly” needles
Blunt-Tipped Blood Drawing Needle
Winged Steel Needles

17. Examples of Safer Needle Devices
Add-on Safety Features: Hinged or sliding shields attached to phlebotomy needles, winged steel needles and blood gas needles
Add-on sliding shield

18. Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/2000-135.html

19. Another Great Source: