{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Managing Sharps Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe handling, use, and disposal of sharps within our domiciliary care organisation. This policy is designed to minimise the risk of needlestick injuries, prevent infections, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Proper sharps management is critical for protecting care workers, service users, visitors, and the wider community from potential hazards.

{{org_field_name}} adheres to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards to maintain a safe working environment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including care workers, administrative staff, and management.
• Agency workers, volunteers, and contractors handling sharps.
• Service users who require sharps for medical purposes.
• Regulatory bodies, ensuring adherence to compliance and best practices.

It covers:

• Safe handling and disposal of sharps.
• Risk assessments and injury prevention.
• Staff training and responsibilities.
• Incident response and needlestick injury management.
• Compliance monitoring and continuous improvement.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensuring a safe work environment.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Governing hazardous materials handling.
• The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 – Setting safety measures for sharps use.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Requiring effective infection control procedures.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Ensuring confidentiality in sharps-related incident reporting.

4. Definition of Sharps

Sharps include any device or object that can puncture or lacerate the skin, such as:

• Hypodermic needles.
• Lancets.
• Scalpels and razor blades.
• Syringes.
• Broken glass or ampoules.
• Any other sharp medical instruments used in domiciliary care.

5. Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps

To prevent injuries and infections, {{org_field_name}} follows strict sharps management procedures:

• Handling Guidelines:
  • Only trained personnel may handle sharps.
  • Never bend, break, or recap needles after use.
  • Always use approved sharps containers for disposal.
• Sharps Disposal Procedures:
  • Dispose of sharps immediately after use in designated sharps bins.
  • Sharps containers must be leak-proof, puncture-resistant, and clearly labelled.
  • Do not overfill sharps bins; they should be sealed when three-quarters full.
  • Full containers are collected by licensed hazardous waste disposal services.

6. Risk Assessments and Injury Prevention

Risk assessments are conducted regularly to identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures:

• Evaluate the risk of exposure for staff handling sharps.
• Identify high-risk areas in domiciliary care settings.
• Implement safer needle devices and needle-free systems where possible.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce risks.
• Encourage safe work practices and proper disposal techniques.

7. Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff involved in sharps handling must receive mandatory training, including:

• Safe handling and disposal procedures.
• Injury prevention and emergency response.
• Understanding the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens.
• Proper use of PPE when handling sharps.

Supervisors and managers are responsible for:

• Conducting regular training refreshers.
• Ensuring that staff comply with sharps disposal protocols.
• Investigating and reporting any incidents involving sharps.

8. Incident Response and Needlestick Injury Management

In the event of a needlestick injury, staff must follow the immediate response protocol:

1. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water.
2. Encourage bleeding by gently squeezing the wound.
3. Apply antiseptic and cover the wound with a waterproof dressing.
4. Report the incident immediately to a supervisor.
5. Complete an incident report and document all details.
6. Seek medical attention, including a risk assessment for bloodborne infections.
7. If necessary, undergo post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential infection prevention.

All sharps injuries are investigated and recorded, with measures implemented to prevent future incidents.

9. Compliance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To ensure ongoing compliance and improvement:

• Quarterly audits of sharps handling and disposal practices are conducted.
• Staff performance and adherence to safety protocols are monitored and reviewed.
• Incident reports are analysed for trends and risk factors.
• Updates to training programs and policies are made in line with regulatory changes.

10. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• New regulations or guidance require amendments.
• Incident reports indicate the need for improved practices.

Employee feedback suggests enhancements in sharps management.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.