Sharps Injury Policy

Last updated: 14.03.2023

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Sharps Injury Policy

Last updated 14.03.2023

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Sharps/inoculation injuries include all incidences where a contaminated object or substance penetrates the skin of mucous membranes or meets the eyes. For example:
  • Sticking or stabbing with used needle or instrument
  • Splashes with a contaminated substance to the eye or other open lesion
  • Cuts with contaminated equipment
  • Bites or scratches inflicted by patients
An inoculation injury is the most likely route for transmitting blood-borne viral infections in dentistry. To minimise the risk of blood-borne viruses, all staff are trained in avoidance and management of an inoculation injury. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is available if necessary. Staff at risk of blood-borne virus exposure have an occupational health examination.

A new EU directive came into force on the 11th of May 2013 – The European Council Directive 210/32/EU called “The Sharps Directive”. The overriding emphasis is now on the prevention of sharps injuries and risk assessment. Our practice reduces the risks of sharps injuries by following the below:

  • Sharps must not be passed directly from hand to hand, and handling should be kept to a minimum
  • Needles must not be bent or broken prior to use
  • Always dispose of sharps at the point of use in a suitable container and do not fill sharps containers above the manufacturer’s marked line
  • Needles must not be re-sheathed by hand
  • Using completely disposable sharps wherever possible. For example, using disposable scalpels avoids the need to have to change the blade
  • Avoiding picking up many sharp instruments together in one handful
  • Always using heavy-duty gloves when cleaning instruments and appropriate PPE. Using an ultrasonic bath or washer-disinfector reduces the risk of sharps injury compared to manual cleaning
  • Ensuring all staff are trained in the correct and safe use of sharps. Keep records of training
  • Syringes/cartridges and needles should be disposed of intact
  • Ensure that the sharps containers comply with BS7320:1990 “Specification for sharps containers” and/or are type-approved in accordance with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996
  • Lock the used sharps container when ready for final disposal in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Sharp bins would normally be placed under a contract with a service provider that empties/replaces the sharp bins on a weekly basis. As part of the contract a paper document will usually be offered on collection describing the containers collected. This record must be kept by the practice
  • Always carry used sharps containers by the handle
  • Do not dispose of sharps with other clinical waste
  • Do not place used sharps containers in yellow bags for disposal
  • Place damaged used sharps containers into a large secure rigid container, which is properly labelled
  • Dentists and Nurses on home visits must have proper sharp bins within their mobile kit when doing home visits. And they should always see that equipment is secure and away from other individuals – it must never be left unattended. Caution must be taken when transporting sharps bins, they must always be returned to the practice at the end of each home visit
Employees now have a duty to notify the employer if they receive a needle stick injury as soon as possible. The employer has the responsibility to ensure that if possible, they minimise the use of sharps and to have protection mechanisms in place. The employer must offer effective training that clearly highlights the risk of injury and good practice as well as encouraging those healthcare workers at risk to be up to date with their vaccinations in the case of injury.

There should be a follow up procedure to monitor staff that have had such injuries and a full documentation of the incident should be made.

What to Do:

If a member of the dental team sustains an inoculation injury, it must be dealt with promptly and correctly; the incident should not be ignored.
  1. Allow the wound to bleed and then wash thoroughly with running water
  2. Assess the risks associated with the patient and the injury. If there is reason to be concerned about the possible transmission of infection, seek advice promptly from the local operation health provider or A&E department
  3. Decide what follow up action, including serological surveillance, is necessary and whether post-exposure prophylaxis is required
  4. When local advice is not available, advice should be obtained from the Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, Phone: 020 8200 4400, Email: [email protected]

  5. Make a full record of the incident in the accident book, including: Details of who was injured, how the incident occurred, what action was taken, which dentists were informed and when, the name of the patient being treated (if known), the record should be signed by the injured person and the dentist in charge.

Approved by: Kassandra Pantazi, Jakobus Krynauw
Date published: 25/10/2021