Disposal of Sharps and Sharps Injury Procedures

This procedure is to be read in conjunction with the Disposal of Sharps and Sharps Injury Policy and the Policy and Procedure for dealing with Infectious Material Handling.

Disposal of sharps - General

Sharps (needles, scalpel blades, razor blades) are to be disposed of into approved impermeable sharps containers designated for the disposal of sharps, which complies with AS/NZS 4261 e.g. BUNZLE (needles only) or SHARPSAFE types. These must also display the biohazard symbol.

Disposal of sharps in Science Divisions

For the Division of Science and Engineering
For the Division of Veterinary Biomedical Science

Disposal of sharps found in non-Science areas

If a 'sharp' is found in non-teaching areas such as the grounds, ablution blocks or in non-science Divisions, phone security immediately, advising them of the location of the items.

Murdoch Campus: Ext: 333
Rockingham Campus: Ext: 7333
Peel Campus: Ext: 5555

Security staff carry 'sharps' disposal containers in their vehicles. DO NOT pick the item up. With broken glass or other sharp objects that are found, assume that it is contaminated and call Security.

If you definitely know that the broken glass object is not contaminated it can be picked up. Avoid contact with the skin by using paper or a dustpan and brush. The glass or sharp object should be double wrapped in paper and disposed of directly.

Dealing with a 'sharps' injury.

Please note that a person who has an open wound/s is at greater risk of infectious agents. If a person sustains a sharps injury:

Remove contaminated clothing;
Without delay gain assistance from the first aid attendant. Wash the injured area thoroughly with soap and water. If the eye/s are involved, rinse with running water or saline;
Administer appropriate first aid for any bleeding or embedded objects;
Whenever possible, keep the 'sharp' or contaminated object or any material that has caused the contamination to the object that then caused the sharps injury. Testing may need to be undertaken to establish the level of risk;
All staff and students who sustain a sharps injury in which there is any risk of contamination must either attend the University Health Service or a General Practitioner for assessment, advice and if necessary counselling;
Report the accident to your supervisors and complete an incident / hazard report as soon as practicable

After hours - follow the above procedure, if needing assistance dial the emergency number listed below:

Murdoch Campus: 333 (Mobile 9360 7333)
Rockingham Campus: 7333 (Mobile 9360 7333)
Peel Campus: 5555 (Mobile 9582 5555)

Exposure classifications and Risk Factors

The General Practitioner will assess the level of risk to determine further medical management. Please refer to Appendix 1 and 2.
If the source of contamination is unknown the person must be tested for Hepatitis B antibodies (unless known to be antibody positive) and receive a Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin vaccination.
If the contamination source is identified as Hepatitis B, vaccination should be given immediately unless already known to be antibody positive.
If there is any risk of HIV infection, testing shall be arranged (3 months post injury) and counseling provided.
If there is a risk of Tetanus, the injured person will require Tetanus Immunoglobulin.

Coverage for medical expenses:

Injured staff will be required to lodge a worker's compensation claim. Please contact the Officer of Human Resources - Injury Management Coordinator (EXT: 6475). For injured students, non-Medicare costs only are cost-recoverable (please note that the gap between the Medicare rebate and schedule fee is not recoverable). Please refer to the Student Injury Policy.

References

National Health & Medical Research Council, Australian national Council on AIDS. Infection Control in the Health Care Setting. Guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious disease. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1996.