Disposal of Sharps and Sharps Injury

Policy

Murdoch University recognises its legal obligation to provide a safe work environment and that the risk of injury from sharp implements requires specific management and control. For the purpose of this policy, ‘sharps’ includes, syringes, scalpels, razor blades, broken glass or any other sharp implement with the potential to cut severely if not handled in a safe manner. Sharps are commonly used during research, undergraduate teaching and in clinical practice.

Sharps can potentially be contaminated with many different types of micro-organisms and whilst the risk from contaminated blood, eg HIV and Hepatitis B is generally well known, there are many other micro-organisms that are found in contaminants such as blood, faeces, sewerage, human and animal secretions. Therefore all sharps unless their origin is known, should be treated as contaminated.

Procedure for Disposal of Sharps and Sharps Injury