Sharps Safety and Disposal Guidelines

The video tutorial covers the safe handling and disposal of sharps and needles, emphasizing the importance of using sharps containers and following proper protocols to prevent accidents. It explains the differences between sharps and needles, provides guidelines for their disposal, and outlines steps to take in case of a needle stick injury.

Why is it important to handle sharps with special care?

• They are rare.

• They are difficult to use.

• They can puncture or cut skin.

• They are expensive.

Which of the following is NOT considered a sharp?

• Lance set

• Auto injector

• Syringe without a needle

• Needle

What should you avoid doing with needles?

• Using them to extract fluids

• Storing them in a sharps container

• Using them for injections

• Recapping them by hand

Where should you dispose of used needles?

• Regular trash

• Recycling bin

• Biological waste bin

• Sharps container

What is the recommended fill level for a sharps container?

• 3/4 full

• 1/4 full

• Completely full

• Half full

What is the purpose of completing a medical waste manifest?

• To sell sharps

• To track the disposal of regular trash

• To ensure proper disposal of sharps

• To recycle sharps

What should you do if you experience a needle stick injury?

• Wash the area with soap and water

• Cover it with a bandage

• Apply ice to the area

• Ignore it

After washing a needle stick injury, what is the next step?

• Ignore it

• Continue working

• Notify your supervisor

• Go home

Where can you find more information on sharp safety?

• Television

• auburn.edu RMS

• Local library

• Social media