Hygiene Atlas

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Sharps safety at the chair

Also called: needlestick prevention, recapping

Never recap with two hands, and get sharps into the container right away.

OSHA allows recapping a used needle only with a one-handed scoop technique or a recapping device, never by holding the cap in your other hand. Used needles, blades and other sharps go into the sharps container as soon as possible. Pass sharp instruments carefully, with the sharp end pointed away from people.

How to spot it

  1. A needle recapping device or card on the tray; a sharps container within reach.

What you do

  1. Remove scalpel blades and needles with an instrument or device, not your fingers.

Safety and care

  1. Clean up broken glass with a brush and dustpan, tongs or forceps, never your hands.

Related

Sources: OSHA. Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)