Sharps safety and prevention encompasses a set of practices aimed at reducing the risk of injuries associated with sharp medical instruments, such as needles and scalpels. This effort is primarily accomplished through proper handling techniques, immediate disposal of sharps in designated containers, the utilization of safety-engineered devices, and ongoing training regarding safe sharps handling protocols.
**Key Components of Sharps Safety:**
– Avoid recapping, bending, breaking, or manually removing needles.
– Employ safety-engineered devices whenever possible. – Utilize sharps containers appropriately.
– Engage in comprehensive training on sharps safety.
– Report incidents without delay.
**Critical Considerations:**
– Refrain from passing sharps directly to another individual.
– Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
– Ensure proper disposal of sharps.
– Maintain awareness of potential sharps hazards in the environment.
