Transcript Needle Stick Injuries - Risk Management Consulting

Needle Stick and
Sharps Injuries
Procedures for Effectively
Handling Sharps Injuries
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.
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Hypodermic needles
Scalpels
IV devices
Capillary tubes
Glass containers
Pipettes
Others
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”).
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.
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
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.
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.
What kinds of devices usually
cause sharps injuries?
• Hypodermic needles
• Blood collection
needles
• Suture needles
• Needles used in IV
delivery systems
• Scalpels
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 punctureresistant sharps containers
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.
Protecting yourself continued…
• Report all needle stick and sharpsrelated injuries promptly to ensure
that you receive appropriate followup care.
• Tell your employer about any sharps
hazards you observe.
• Participate in training related to
infection prevention.
• Get a Hepatitis B vaccination.
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 1910.1030.
Examples of Safer Needle
Devices
• Needleless Connector Systems:
Needleless connectors for IV delivery
systems
Examples of Safer Needle
Devices
• Self-Sheathing Safety Feature:
Sliding needle shields attached to
disposable syringes and vacuum tube
holders
Before use
After use
Examples of Safer Needle
Devices
• Retractable Technology:
Needles or sharps that retract into a
syringe, vacuum tube holder or back
into the device.
Examples of Safer Needle
Devices
• Self Blunting Technology:
Self-blunting phlebotomy and
winged-steel “butterfly” needles
Blunt-Tipped Blood
Drawing Needle
Winged Steel Needles
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
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/2000-135.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/
sharps/sharps.html#NeedlestickInjuries
Another Great Source:
http://www.cdc.gov/sharpssafety