Safe Handling of Sharps
When passing sharps:
Uncapped or otherwise unprotected sharps should never be passed directly from one person to another. In the operating theater or procedure room, pass sharp instruments in such a way that the surgeon and assistant are never touching the item at the same time. This way of passing sharps is known as the "hands-free" technique:
- The assistant places the instrument in a sterile kidney basin or in a designated "safe zone" in the sterile field.
- The assistant tells the service provider that the instrument is in the kidney basin or safe zone.
- The service provider picks up the instrument, uses it, and returns it to the basin or safe zone.
When giving injections:
- Unexpected client motion at the time of injection can lead to accidental needlesticks. Therefore, always warn clients when you are about to give them an injection.
- To protect clients, always use proper client preparation when giving an injection, and be sure that you handle IV fluids and multidose vials correctly.