EHRS collects information from employees who have had an exposure to potentially infectious materials. EHRS has evaluated the information and presents the following recommendations:
EHRS investigated several incidents of housekeeper injuries during trash bag removal from University spaces due to improperly discarded sharps. University policy mandates the disposal of sharp items in a rigid sharps container to prevent any accidental injury. Complete guidelines for the management of all sharps are available at theEHRS website.
When handling trash bags, it is recommended that housekeepers take precautions to prevent injury should sharps have been discarded improperly. Housekeepers should not compress trash bags nor remove trash bags if they notice improperly discarded sharps in the trash. The trash should be left in the area and the area housekeeping supervisor informed of the mismanaged materials. The housekeeping supervisor should contact EHRS and a biosafety officer will discuss the matter with the laboratory supervisor.
Improper handling of scalpel blades creates a safety hazard to the user. Use mechanical means (forceps, pliers, etc.) to remove a scalpel blade from the instrument handle whenever possible. Should mechanical means be unavailable, disinfect the instrument before attempting to remove the blade. Disposable scalpels with engineered sharps injury protection are strongly recommended.
Several injuries occurred while handling butterfly needles in both the clinical and research settings. Problems arise when disposing of these items in sharps containers, due to additional tubing and adaptor parts associated with this device. Use special care when placing butterfly needles in sharps containers. If a sharps container is used primarily for butterfly needles, choose a sharps container with a wide opening to help resolve the problem. Disposable butterfly needles with engineered sharps injury protection are highly recommended.
Several percutaneous injuries occurred as result of unexpected erratic movements by research and clinical animals. When handling needles and research animals, be sure the animal is properly restrained and/or tranquilized. Whenever possible, use syringes with engineered sharps injury protection.
Everyday new products enter the marketplace. Depending on factors such as price, convenience, safety-engineering and the natural progress of technology, they are adopted by individuals who may be unaware of the techniques needed to handle these devices properly. Splashes to mucous membranes and percutaneous injuries have occurred because of this unfamiliarity with a newly introduced device. EHRS highly recommends that individuals become familiar with newly introduced products before using them in situations involving human source material, biohazardous materials, and other hazardous substances. Practicing with a non-hazardous substitution helps hone one's technique and raises awareness of the limitations of the item.