Sharps Disposal

Sharp objects like needles can cause accidental cuts so you need to be aware from these things. If you don’t use the needles immediately, you should keep them away or store them in a safe place.

It is very important to report any injury caused by these sharp objects to the supervisors because the injured, whether they may be the residents or the health personnel could get a disease from it. It will be possible that Hepatitis B, a blood-borne pathogen or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will contaminate you and or others. Once a person will acquire HIV, there will be a possibility that it will progress and develop to a more complex disease which is AIDS and sadly there is still no absolute cure for it. These illnesses or diseases can simply be acquired from a simple needle stick injury that is why they should not be taken for granted. Follow the facility’s protocol in managing blood contact or contact with pathogens.

In disposing needles, it is a necessity to have a sharps bin in every area in the facility especially in areas near the medicine preparation corner. Aside from that, never force to put needle in the sharps bin to avoid unwanted accidents. Emptying of the sharps bin should be done regularly based on the facility’s protocol.