SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE
Discipline of Pathology
ROOM 260, W502/3, W504,
W505, 506, 508, 510, 512,
518, 542, 550, 554, 561, 565,
577
JOB / TASK: Sharps
Written By: S Kum Jew
Date: 14/08/09
Signature:
Consulted: Murat Kekic
Review Date: 14/08/10
Signature:
Performed By: Honours students, PhD students, technical staff, or other authorised personnel who have
had prior training in these techniques.
RISKS:
Sharps comprise hypodermic syringes, glass pasteur pipettes, small plastic pipette tips, scalpel blades,
broken glass, microtome blades and knives. These can cause cuts or puncture wounds and may be
contaminated with blood or body fluids, microbiological materials, toxic chemicals or radioactive
materials.
RISK CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Cut resistant gloves, latex gloves, mask, safety goggles, lab coat, surgery gown, enclosed footwear,
respirator
Immunisation – Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, TB
Decontamination – 70% ETOH, Cavicide, Betadine, Sodium hyperchloride,
Approved hand washing technique
MSDS
METHOD:
Wear appropriate PPE
 All used sharps should be disposed into a rigid, lockable puncture proof container that should be
positioned close to the working area to avoid carrying the item over a long distance.
 Hypodermic needles should not be resheathed prior to disposal into a sharps container.
 Large clean uncontaminated broken glass should be wrapped and disposed of into the industrial
waste bins outside of Blackburn building. Small chipped, cracked or broken glass can be
disposed of into a sharps container.
 Solid microtome blades should be handled carefully and the operator must wear enclosed shoes.
When using or sharpening the microtome knife, distractions should be avoided. When removing
or transporting the blade, it must always be carried in a box holder.
 Prior to using a microtome or cryostat, training must have taken place.
 Refer also to the Laboratory Waste Management Plan –Blackburn Building – March 2006.
First Aid
For any accident involving blood, wash the injured area immediately with soap and water and
then report the incident immediately to your supervisor or staff member in charge of the area or class
where the accident occurs. For needlestick injuries involving blood, proceed to the University Health
Service (in office hours), or nearest hospital casualty department (for example, Royal Prince Alfred
Hospital or Westmead Hospital). This should be done without delay so the incident can be assessed and
treatment offered within 24 hours if warranted.
For other possible chemical contaminants, usually wash the site immediately with water but refer
to a MSDS for neutralizing the chemical.
See also NSW Health Department Policy Directive 2005_311 (27 January 2005): Management of
Health Care Workers Potentially Exposed to HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C and NSW Needlestick
Hotline: 1800 804 823
Post Injury Management
Involves assessment of the risk of infection based on type of injury, type of instrument and
source of blood or body fluid; vaccination status; blood tests – immediate (for baseline), at 3 months
and at 6 months; treatment and counselling
Refer “Guidelines for Disposal of Sharps” http://www.usyd.edu.au/ohs/policies/ohs/sharps.shtml
Refer “Guidelines for Disposal of Glass” http://www.usyd.edu.au/ohs/policies/ohs/glass.shtml
Refer “Clinical and Related Wastes – Guidelines for Management”
http://www.usyd.edu.au/ohs/policies/ohs/clnwaste.shtml
Refer “Policy on First Aid” http://www.usyd.edu.au/ohs/policies/ohs/firstaid.shtml
Refer to “Laboratory Waste Management Plan – Blackburn Building – March 2006”
This SOP does not necessarily cover all possible hazards associated with this technique and should be used in conjunction with other references.
It is designed to be used as an adjunct to teaching safety procedures and to act as a reminder to users prior to proceding with the technique.