Sharps, including needles, knives, scalpels, and glass pipettes, are crucial in lab research, but they also pose significant risks. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), millions of healthcare and laboratory workers are exposed to bloodborne pathogens annually due to needlestick and sharps injuries. Non-users, such as custodial, maintenance, and administrative staff, also face significant risks. According to the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), these groups account for 25 percent of injuries. For lab managers, implementing a strong sharps safety program is essential not only for regulatory compliance but to protect all staff and foster a culture of safety.
Why sharps safety in laboratories matters
A sharps injury can be more than a simple cut. While many sharps injuries result in superficial wounds, even minor punctures or lacerations can cause pain, bleeding, and require stitches or medical intervention. More serious injuries may lead to nerve damage or permanent impairment, impacting an employee's ability to work. Punctures and lacerations can also introduce infectious agents directly into the bloodstream, leading to severe health complications. Bloodborne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), are the most common dangers, but other biohazards can also be present. Beyond individual health risks, improper handling of sharps can affect the laboratory’s reputation and potentially violate OSHA standards.
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Proper sharps handling protocols
Lab managers play a crucial role in protecting staff by ensuring rigorous sharps-handling guidelines are consistently followed. Before any procedure, lab personnel should carefully inspect needles, scalpels, glassware, and glass pipettes and properly discard any damaged items to prevent unexpected breaks or punctures. Should lab staff encounter contaminated broken glass, OSHA requires the use of tools, such as brushes, dustpans, or forceps, to minimize the risk of injury and exposure.
Wearing appropriate gloves is also imperative when handling sharps. While gloves may not prevent puncture injuries, they significantly reduce direct contact with hazardous materials. Lab managers should select and require staff to use appropriate gloves based on the tasks, conditions, duration of use, and identified hazards, in accordance with OSHA standards. This includes ensuring that staff use gloves suitable for the specific risks present in their work and replace them if they are torn or punctured. Additionally, recapping, bending, or removing needles is advised only when necessary. In such situations, OSHA recommends using a mechanical device or employing the one-handed "scoop" technique, which involves using the needle itself to pick up and secure the cap without placing fingers in harm’s way.
Safe sharps disposal procedures
When it comes to disposing of sharps, OSHA regulations require the use of approved, puncture-resistant containers with leakproof sides and bottoms. These containers should be labeled or color-coded to warn that the contents are hazardous, and they must have a closable lid, flap, or door. If the sharps are also contaminated with biological or chemical hazards—such as needles used for blood draws—additional labeling, such as a biohazard symbol, may be required to ensure proper handling and disposal. To keep liquids and sharps from spilling out, the container must always be kept upright.
Disposal containers should also be readily accessible and positioned at eye level to discourage staff from carrying sharps across the lab. Once a container reaches its fill line, it should be sealed and disposed of immediately following disposal guidelines, which may involve incineration or autoclaving to neutralize any biohazards.
Ongoing staff training and culture
Effective sharps safety hinges on a comprehensive training program. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard provides a framework for developing policies on exposure control, safe sharps devices, and post-exposure management. Lab managers must require all new hires to participate in sharps safety training, regardless of their previous experience. Hands-on demonstrations, scenario-based drills, and refresher courses also help embed best practices into daily routines.
Beyond formal instruction, cultivating a proactive safety culture is essential for any lab. Managers should foster open communication and encourage the reporting of near misses without fear of reprisal. Near misses are an excellent way for the lab to learn from events that didn’t cause injuries. Actively investigating and learning can prevent injuries in the future. Consistent reminders—through emails, signage, and announcements—reinforce the importance of proper sharps handling. Over time, this consistent emphasis on safety establishes clear expectations and promotes responsibility among all staff.
Conclusion
A robust sharps safety program safeguards laboratory staff from injury and illness, ensures compliance with OSHA regulations, and promotes a culture of safety. By prioritizing proper handling, disposal practices, comprehensive training, and open communication, lab managers can significantly reduce sharps-related risks, thereby creating a safer and more productive work environment.
