Audit : Management of sharps within the practice 16.3.2015
AIM
The aim of the audit is to ensure that sharps are managed safely within the practice, to reduce the
risk of inoculation injury.
CRITERIA USED
The criteria used were as per audit tool given to us by the Infection Control Nurses-‘looking at sharps
handling and disposal.
DATA COLLECTION 2
This follows on from the data collection on 18.7.2014 and 27.10.2014 at Huntingdon Road and
Girton surgeries.
Data was collected between 12.2.2015 and 4.3.2015. In all 19 bins were examined. Observations
were based as per the original audit. The main change from this time is that needle safe devices are
now routinely in use.
RESULTS
The results of the data collection are included on the attached document.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Although all the sharps bins had the lids securely fitted, 2 bins were still assembled with the
lids back to front which is a potential safety hazard. Not all the bins had room location
completed on the assembly labels although all were signed and dated. This was raised again
at the practice nurse meeting on 13.3.2015 to remind everyone of correct assembly and
completeness in filling in the bin labels.
2. None of the bins were overfilled and there is now a system in place whereby the
phlebotomist/healthcare assistant checks the date of assembly of each bin at the beginning
of each month. All bins are closed securely and replaced 3 months after assembly. We have
managed to obtain some bins with smaller capacity from the waste contractor, that has the
same base size for stability. These will be used in rooms of infrequent use to avoid wastage.
3. We have already agreed that the temporary safety closure flaps on the bins will not be used
as we have risk assessed them and feel the risk of temporary closure outweighs the benefit.
4. Safety needles are now routinely in use. All clinical team members have been shown how to
use these and a visual guide chart remains available in the prep room.