Infection Control Guidelines for Sharp Injuries Prevention
Dr. NAHLA ABDEL KADERوMD, PhD.
INFECTION CONTROL CONSULTANT, MOH
INFECTION CONTROL CBAHI SURVEYOR
Infection Control Director, KKH.
2.
To prevent injury and exposure to
blood borne infections for
personnel handling sharps
including needles, syringes, knife
blades and opened ampoules of
medication.
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3.
Continuous training and education
of Health Care Personnel in all
hospital departments on Proper
Sharp Disposal.
KKHKKH-IFC / Sharp
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4.
Avoid rushing when handling needles and sharps.
Dispose all needles and other sharps promptly. These
items should not be left on food trays or inadvertently
deposited in trash containers.
DO NOT re-cap needles.
rePlace used disposable items in puncture resistant
biohazard containers for disposal.
In the event recapping is unavoidable, the one-handed
onescoop technique or a needle recapping device shall be
used.
Sharps waste shall be contained in “Sharps
“Sharps
Containers”
Containers” which are rigid and puncture resistant.
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5. To safely recap needles use “the oneonehand”
hand” technique
Step 1
Place the cap on a flat surface, then remove
your hand from the cap.
Step 2
With one hand, hold the syringe and use the
needle to “scoop up” the cap.
Step 3
When the cap covers the needle completely,
use the other hand to secure the cap on the
needle hub. Be careful to handle the cap at the
bottom only (near the hub).
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6.
Sharps containers shall be labeled as “sharps waste” and
“sharps
biohazardous with international biohazardous symbol.
Sharp containers shall be filled up to three quarters and taped
closed or tightly lidded.
Sharps containers are placed in yellow bags by housekeeping
personnel for storage and then processing.
Sharps waste is disposed of in sharps containers as close to site
of use as possible.
InIn-patient rooms shall have wall mounted “Sharps Container
system “ which is kept near the patient’s bed and is securely
locked. Other direct patient care areas shall have wall mounted
“Sharps Container” system and/or rigid puncture resistant
containers having the biohazardous symbol printed on.
KKHKKH-IFC / Sharp Injuries Prevention / IPP NO: 012
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