What precautions should be used when working with needles and sharps?

Consider all sharps as potentially infective. The user of the sharp should plan for it's safe use and disposal.

• Use puncture-resistant containers.
• Label containers.
• Clean and sterilize reusable syringes before reusing.
• Place large bore reusable needles in puncture-proof containers.
• Use clamps to remove lancet and scalpel blades from holders, not your fingers.
• Do not recap, bend, break or remove needles by hand from disposable syringes or otherwise handle after use.

How should decontamination and waste disposal be handled?

• Disinfect or sterilize medical devices or apparatus according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Clean instruments thoroughly before disinfecting with a germicide. Use a 1:100-1:10 dilution of household bleach in water.
• Incinerate or autoclave infectious waste before disposal. Carefully pour bulk blood, suctioned fluids, excretions or secretions into a drain connected to a sanitary sewer. Check with local, regional or provincial authorities regarding by-laws.

How should blood/body fluid spills be cleaned?

• Remove visible material from patient care areas and decontaminate.
• Remove blood or body fluids with absorbent paper towels. Dispose according to hospital policy.
• Clean area and use disinfectant. Otherwise clean and rinse area and then wipe surface with a 1:100-1:10 dilution of household bleach in water.

How should I handle laboratory specimens?

• Place collected blood and body fluid specimens in sterile containers. Securely close lid.
• Clean the outside of the container with disinfectant if visibly contaminated.
• Place container in a clear impervious plastic bag.
• Label container "Blood and Body Fluid Precautions." Label requisition and attach to outside of bag.
• Do not transport in a vacuum/pneumatic system.

How should patient care articles be handled?

• Use disposable patient care articles whenever possible.
• Incinerate or dispose of disposable articles according to hospital policy.
• Place articles soiled with blood in impervious bag. Label "Blood and Body Fluid Precautions."
• Reprocess reusable items according to hospital policy.

Document last updated on June 1, 2000