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Safe Handling & Disposal of Sharps
Safe Work Procedure
Handling & Disposal of Sharps
SECTION 1: DETAILS | |
Purpose & Scope | This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) describes the safe work methods to be followed when handling and disposing of needles and sharps. For the purpose of this SWP ‘sharps’ include any object that can pierce or penetrate the skin easily, eg, syringes, needles, razor blades, broken glass or any other sharp implement if not handled in a safe manner. This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers and representatives of Orange Sky (OS). It is to be read in association with the OS SWPs listed below. |
Location of Task | All states and territories throughout Australia and regions throughout New Zealand OS operates in. |
Equipment Required |
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Hazards | The potential risks associated with the handling and disposal of needles/sharps include:
Exposure to contaminated blood, body fluids or other infectious material through the piercing or cutting of skin or contact with already broken skin may pose a health risk for transmission of certain infections, including:
Note: All sharps should be considered contaminated unless their origin is known. |
Help? | For help, questions or enquiries, call Service Support on:
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SECTION 2: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) THAT MUST BE WORN | |
Enclosed shoes Disposable glove Puncture-resistant gloves (*if available) |
SECTION 3: OVERVIEW |
It is possible you may discover a sharp while on shift. For the purpose of this SWP ‘sharp’ includes any object that can pierce or penetrate the skin eg, syringes, needles, razor blades, broken glass etc. Sharps may be found on the ground in the vicinity of the van or pod, in washers and dryers (due to laundry not being sorted thoroughly by friends), in rubbish or sanitary bins, in shower recesses. |
SECTION 4: SAFE WORK PROCEDURE | ||
STEP ACTION / TASK | CONTROL MEASURES / PRECAUTIONS | |
1. | Handling and Disposal of Sharps | |
1.1 | If a needle or other sharp is discovered in the workplace (on shift, in a washing machine, dryer etc.,) remain near the object and notify your supervisor and other team members (as appropriate). |
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1.2 | The second person shall obtain a sharps container (located in all vans). | |
1.3 | Take the sharps container to the sharp object and place it on the ground or a flat surface next to the sharp object. | |
1.4 | While wearing a pair of disposable impermeable gloves and, where applicable, sharp resistant gloves over the top, use your hands to pick up the sharp by the blunt end (or away from the point). | |
1.5 | Put the needle/sharp, point first into the sharps container. | |
1.6 | Make sure the container is tightly sealed. | |
1.7 | Remove gloves and wash your hands with soap and warm water for no less than 20 seconds. | |
1.8 | Dispose of the sharps container at the end of shift at an approved waste disposal facility. | |
1.9 | Complete an Incident Report. | |
2. | General Sharps Safety | |
2.1 | General safety to prevent sharps injury. |
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3. | Responding to and Managing a Needlestick or Sharps Injury | |
3.1 | Administer appropriate first aid for any bleeding or embedded object.
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3.2 | Wash the wound or skin sites thoroughly with soap and water or use a waterless cleanser or antiseptic if water is unavailable.
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3.3 | If blood or blood products make contact with eyes, rinse the eyes gently but thoroughly (remove contact lenses), for at least 30 seconds, with water or normal saline. | |
3.4 | If blood or body fluids are sprayed into the mouth, spit out and then rinse the mouth with water several times. | |
3.5 | If any clothing is contaminated, remove items and shower if necessary and available. | |
3.6 | Identify the source individual or the source of the sharp, if possible and assess the risk status of the source. | |
3.7 | Orange Sky staff and volunteers who sustain a sharps injury must report the injury to their supervisor and complete an Incident Report. | |
3.8 | Orange Sky staff and volunteers who sustain a sharps injury must attend a general practitioner (GP) for assessment, advice and, if necessary, counselling.
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3.9 | If the source is unable to be identified, follow-up will depend on the type of exposure, the likelihood of the source being positive for a blood pathogen and the prevalence of blood-borne infections in the community from which the needle/sharps come. |
Document Number: OS-WW-HQ-WHS-SWP-031023 Issued Date: 27/06/2025
Revision Number: 1.1
Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled. Refer to the Orange Sky Portal for the latest version.