Laboratory Sharps Handling and Disposal University of Alaska

Laboratory Sharps: Handling and Disposal University of Alaska Fairbanks Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management 1 November 2010

Overview �Scope and purpose of training �What is a laboratory sharp? �Proper handling of sharps �Safe disposal of sharps �Procedures to follow in the event of a sharps injury 2

Scope and purpose �Sharps can cause injuries ranging from punctures to cuts, and proper care must be taken when using and disposing of them in the laboratory. �Sharps such as needles and Pasteur pipets may be contaminated with chemical residue, thus resulting in a chemical exposure for a person who is punctured or cut by the item. �This training applies to all laboratory personnel using sharps, regardless of whether or not they are working with infectious agents, blood, or other body secretions (human or animal). �All sharps represent an injury hazard, regardless of 3 what they were used for.

What is a laboratory sharp? � Common sharps found in laboratories include: �Needles and syringes �Scalpel blades �Razor blades �Microscope slides and coverslips �Pasteur pipets 4

Tips for handling and using sharps � To help reduce the risk of sharps injuries, heed the 5 following work practices: �Organize your work space so that all materials for the experiment are ready and available before accessing the sharp device. �This helps reduce the chance of having to set an exposed needle down on the lab bench in order to retrieve other necessary supplies, for example. �Be prepared to use the device the moment the sharp is exposed (e. g. , when the needle is uncapped, the razor blade removed from its wrapper) �Make sure you have adequate lighting to perform the task involving the sharp. �Locate your sharps container in your workspace.

Tips for handling and using sharps (cont. ) � Safe work practices (cont. ) �Keep exposed sharps pointed away from yourself and others. �Never directly hand an exposed sharp to another person. �Instead, designate a “sharps passing zone” where exposed sharps are set down prior to being picked up by another person. �Be accountable for the sharps you use. �Look around after you complete your work and make sure that all sharps have been disposed of properly. 6

Proper handling of needles and razor blades �Observing some simple rules will help keep you safe while handling needles and razor blades: �Never bend, break, or shear needles �Never remove needles from syringe barrels �Never recap needles after using �Never reuse razor blades 7

Safe disposal of sharps � Needles (and syringe barrels), disposable scalpels, 8 and razor blades should be placed in an appropriate sharps container. �Appropriate containers are: �Made of puncture-resistant plastic or other material �Closeable �Leak-proof on sides and bottoms � Microscope slides, cover slips, and glass Pasteur pipets: �If slides, cover slips, and/or glass Pasteur pipets are contaminated with infectious agents or potentially infectious materials, dispose in sharps container (should be labeled “Biohazard”) �If slides, cover slips, and/or glass Pasteur pipets are

Safe disposal of sharps (cont. ) � To avoid injuries from sharps: �Never reach into a sharps disposal container or 9 broken glass box �Never remove the lid from the container �Never force materials into the container �Never overfill the container �Some sharps containers are pre-marked with “fill lines” �If no fill line is marked, then fill container no more than ¾ full � What NOT to put in your sharps container or broken glass box: �Microfuge tubes �Unused chemical solutions

Safe disposal of sharps (cont. ) � When your sharps container is full, contact UAF EHS&RM Hazmat to schedule a pickup (474 -5617 or 474 -5476). �A Hazardous Waste Transfer form and sticker are NOT required. � Purchase of sharps containers is the responsibility of the laboratory. 10

Procedures to follow in the event of a sharps injury � If you are injured by a sharp, no matter how minor the injury, you must immediately report it to your supervisor. � Complete a UAF Accident/Incident report for all injuries, regardless of severity. �You can obtain the form here: http: //www. uaf. edu/files/safety/incidentreport. pdf �Notify the UAF Biosafety Officer/Industrial Hygienist immediately in order to determine what, if any, medical surveillance or care may be necessary. 11 � 474 -6771

Questions? Contact the UAF Biosafety Officer at 474 -6771, or tamartinson@alaska. edu Thank you! 12