Method Statement MS 17
Handling and disposal of sharps
StatementMS 17
Persons involved or affected
EmployeesContractorsVisitors / public
Statement status
InitialChange / incident review
1
Introduction
The purpose of this method statement is to outline the procedures and safety measures for the safe handling and disposal of sharps. This ensures that sharps are managed correctly to prevent injuries, infections, and environmental contamination.
2
Scope of work
This method statement covers the handling, storage, and disposal of sharps, including:
Needles
Scalpels
Broken glass
Sharp metal objects
Any other items with sharp edges or points that could cause injury
Needles
Scalpels
Broken glass
Sharp metal objects
Any other items with sharp edges or points that could cause injury
3
Responsibilities
Health and Safety Officer: Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, performs risk assessments, and provides guidance on safe handling and disposal practices.
Cleaning Supervisor: Oversees the handling and disposal of sharps, ensures staff are trained, and maintains records of disposal.
Cleaning Staff: Handle and dispose of sharps according to procedures, report any incidents or issues, and use protective equipment as required.
Waste Management Team: Ensures proper disposal of sharps in accordance with local regulations and manages sharps disposal contracts if applicable.
Cleaning Supervisor: Oversees the handling and disposal of sharps, ensures staff are trained, and maintains records of disposal.
Cleaning Staff: Handle and dispose of sharps according to procedures, report any incidents or issues, and use protective equipment as required.
Waste Management Team: Ensures proper disposal of sharps in accordance with local regulations and manages sharps disposal contracts if applicable.
4
Equipment and materials
Equipment:
Sharps containers (puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and clearly labeled)
Tongs or forceps (for handling sharps)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves
Materials:
Sharps disposal bags or containers (specifically designed for sharps)
Labels and markers (for identifying sharps containers)
Sharps containers (puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and clearly labeled)
Tongs or forceps (for handling sharps)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves
Materials:
Sharps disposal bags or containers (specifically designed for sharps)
Labels and markers (for identifying sharps containers)
5
Procedure
Preparation:
Identify areas where sharps may be present and ensure that appropriate disposal containers are available and clearly marked.
Equip staff with necessary PPE, including gloves and protective clothing.
Handling Sharps:
Do Not Touch Directly: Use tongs or forceps to handle sharps. Avoid direct contact to prevent injury.
Transport Carefully: Carefully transfer sharps to the designated sharps container. Do not overfill the container; follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum fill levels.
Disposal of Sharps:
Container Management: Seal the sharps container once it is full or when disposal is required. Ensure the container is securely closed to prevent leakage.
Collection and Disposal: Arrange for the sharps containers to be collected by a licensed waste disposal service for incineration or other approved disposal methods. Follow local regulations and guidelines for disposal.
Post-Handling Cleanup:
Clean Area: After handling and disposing of sharps, clean the area with appropriate disinfectants to remove any residual contaminants.
Report: Report any incidents or potential exposures to the Health and Safety Officer immediately.
Identify areas where sharps may be present and ensure that appropriate disposal containers are available and clearly marked.
Equip staff with necessary PPE, including gloves and protective clothing.
Handling Sharps:
Do Not Touch Directly: Use tongs or forceps to handle sharps. Avoid direct contact to prevent injury.
Transport Carefully: Carefully transfer sharps to the designated sharps container. Do not overfill the container; follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum fill levels.
Disposal of Sharps:
Container Management: Seal the sharps container once it is full or when disposal is required. Ensure the container is securely closed to prevent leakage.
Collection and Disposal: Arrange for the sharps containers to be collected by a licensed waste disposal service for incineration or other approved disposal methods. Follow local regulations and guidelines for disposal.
Post-Handling Cleanup:
Clean Area: After handling and disposing of sharps, clean the area with appropriate disinfectants to remove any residual contaminants.
Report: Report any incidents or potential exposures to the Health and Safety Officer immediately.
6
Safety precautions
PPE: Always wear gloves and other protective clothing when handling sharps. Ensure gloves are free from tears or punctures.
Sharps Containers: Use only approved sharps containers that are puncture-resistant and leak-proof. Do not use regular trash bins or containers for sharps disposal.
Avoid Overfilling: Do not overfill sharps containers; follow guidelines to ensure safe disposal.
Proper Training: Ensure all staff handling sharps are properly trained and aware of safety procedures.
Sharps Containers: Use only approved sharps containers that are puncture-resistant and leak-proof. Do not use regular trash bins or containers for sharps disposal.
Avoid Overfilling: Do not overfill sharps containers; follow guidelines to ensure safe disposal.
Proper Training: Ensure all staff handling sharps are properly trained and aware of safety procedures.
7
Emergency procedures
Needle Stick Injury: If a needle stick or sharp injury occurs, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention and report the incident to the Health and Safety Officer.
Spill: In case of a sharps spill, do not attempt to clean up with bare hands. Use appropriate tools and dispose of sharps safely. Report the spill and clean the area with disinfectants.
Exposure: If exposed to potentially hazardous materials, follow the facility’s exposure protocol and seek medical evaluation if necessary.
Spill: In case of a sharps spill, do not attempt to clean up with bare hands. Use appropriate tools and dispose of sharps safely. Report the spill and clean the area with disinfectants.
Exposure: If exposed to potentially hazardous materials, follow the facility’s exposure protocol and seek medical evaluation if necessary.
8
Environmental considerations
Proper Disposal: Ensure sharps are disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations to prevent contamination and harm to wildlife.
Reduce Waste: Where possible, reduce the use of sharps or switch to safer alternatives.
Recycling: Avoid recycling sharps; they must be disposed of in specialized containers designed to prevent environmental contamination.
Reduce Waste: Where possible, reduce the use of sharps or switch to safer alternatives.
Recycling: Avoid recycling sharps; they must be disposed of in specialized containers designed to prevent environmental contamination.
9
Training and competence
Training: All staff involved in handling and disposing of sharps must receive training on safe practices, use of PPE, and emergency procedures.
Competence: Regularly assess staff competence through direct observation and refresher training. Ensure understanding of the procedures and safety measures.
Knowledge: Ensure staff are knowledgeable about the types of sharps, the risks associated with them, and the proper use of disposal containers.
Competence: Regularly assess staff competence through direct observation and refresher training. Ensure understanding of the procedures and safety measures.
Knowledge: Ensure staff are knowledgeable about the types of sharps, the risks associated with them, and the proper use of disposal containers.
10
Review and monitoring
Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this method statement and to maintain high safety standards.
Feedback: Collect feedback from staff to identify areas for improvement and address any issues related to sharps handling and disposal.
Procedure Review: Review and update procedures based on audit results, feedback, and changes in regulations or practices.
Incident Review: Regularly review incidents and near-misses involving sharps to identify trends and implement corrective actions to improve safety.
Incident Review: Regularly review incident and accident reports to identify trends and implement corrective actions to enhance safety and effectiveness.
Feedback: Collect feedback from staff to identify areas for improvement and address any issues related to sharps handling and disposal.
Procedure Review: Review and update procedures based on audit results, feedback, and changes in regulations or practices.
Incident Review: Regularly review incidents and near-misses involving sharps to identify trends and implement corrective actions to improve safety.
Incident Review: Regularly review incident and accident reports to identify trends and implement corrective actions to enhance safety and effectiveness.