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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Managing Sharps Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe handling, disposal, and management of sharps within {{org_field_name}}, protecting both staff and the people we support from potential risks associated with needlestick injuries and bloodborne infections. This policy sets out best practices for managing sharps in accordance with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. It ensures that all employees understand their legal and professional responsibilities in handling sharps safely, minimising risk, and maintaining a safe working environment. Proper management of sharps reduces the likelihood of contamination, injury, and infection, safeguarding both employees and individuals receiving care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, volunteers, and contractors who may come into contact with sharps while carrying out their duties. It covers the handling, use, and disposal of sharps, including needles, syringes, lancets, scalpels, and other sharp medical instruments used in the care and treatment of the people we support. It also applies to the safe storage and transport of sharps containers and the proper reporting and management of needlestick injuries. This policy must be adhered to in all settings where {{org_field_name}} provides care, including private residences and community environments.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy, which outlines hygiene and decontamination procedures to prevent infections
• Health and Safety Policy, which provides guidance on risk assessments and employee responsibilities
• Risk Assessment and Management Policy, ensuring all sharps-related risks are assessed and mitigated
• Incident Reporting and Management Policy, detailing the procedures for reporting sharps injuries
• Training and Development Policy, which ensures staff receive the necessary training in sharps management

4. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

All staff must adhere to the following legal and regulatory guidelines:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which places a duty on employers to ensure the safety of employees and others
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, which govern the handling of hazardous substances, including sharps contaminated with biological material
• The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013, which outline the safe use and disposal of sharps to prevent injuries
• The Care Inspectorate Scotland Guidelines, which require all regulated care providers to have effective infection control procedures, including sharps management

5. Definition of Sharps

Sharps are defined as medical instruments or devices with sharp points or edges that may puncture or cut the skin, posing a risk of infection or injury. Common sharps used in domiciliary care settings include:

• Needles (e.g. insulin injections, epinephrine auto-injectors)
• Syringes with attached needles
• Lancets used for blood glucose monitoring
• Scalpels and razor blades
• Broken glass ampoules or vials

These items pose risks such as needlestick injuries, cross-contamination, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

6. Safe Handling of Sharps

6.1 General Principles

All staff must adhere to the following best practices when handling sharps:

• Only use sharps when absolutely necessary, and opt for needle-free alternatives where possible
• Always handle sharps with care, ensuring controlled and precise movements to prevent accidental injury
• Never pass sharps directly hand-to-hand; always use a tray or designated safe transfer method
• Do not bend, break, or recap needles, as this increases the risk of injury
• Immediately dispose of used sharps into an approved sharps disposal container

6.2 Use of Safety-Engineered Devices

Wherever possible, safety-engineered sharps devices (such as retractable needles or needle covers) should be used to reduce the risk of injury. Employees must:

• Ensure they are trained in the correct use of safety-engineered devices
• Engage safety mechanisms immediately after use
• Dispose of safety-engineered devices in the same manner as conventional sharps

7. Disposal of Sharps

7.1 Sharps Containers

All sharps must be disposed of immediately after use in a designated sharps container. These containers must be:

• Rigid, puncture-proof, and leak-resistant
• Conforming to British Standard BS EN ISO 23907
• Labelled clearly with biohazard warnings
• Kept in a secure, upright position away from children or vulnerable individuals

7.2 Proper Use of Sharps Containers

Staff must ensure that:

• Sharps are disposed of at the point of use—never carried around after use
• The container is never overfilled—sharps bins must be replaced when they reach three-quarters full
• Lids are closed securely when not in use
• Containers are only used for sharps—other clinical waste should be disposed of separately

8. Transport and Storage of Sharps Containers

When transporting or storing sharps containers:

• Containers must be securely sealed before transportation
• Transported in a designated biohazard bag or container
• Stored in a designated area away from food, drink, and personal belongings
• Collection and disposal must be carried out by a licensed clinical waste disposal company

9. Managing Needlestick Injuries

9.1 Immediate Response to a Sharps Injury

In the event of a needlestick injury, the affected employee must:

1. Encourage bleeding by gently squeezing the wound—do not suck the wound
2. Wash the area with soap and running water—do not scrub
3. Apply a waterproof dressing and seek first aid assistance
4. Report the incident immediately to a line manager

1) Verbally to the Registered Manager or Infection Control Lead

2) Inform the Registered Manager by email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}

3) Call the office and inform the Registered Manager or Infection Control Lead: {{org_field_phone_no}}

4) Out of hours phone number: {{out_of_hours}}

5) Online via our website: {{org_field_website}}

5. Complete an incident report form as per the Incident Reporting and Management Policy
6. Seek medical advice promptly to assess the risk of infection and determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is required

9.2 Reporting and Investigation

All needlestick injuries must be reported and documented to:

• Identify the cause and contributing factors
• Review sharps handling procedures to prevent recurrence
• Ensure affected employees receive support and follow-up medical care

10. Training and Competency

All employees must complete mandatory training on sharps management and safe disposal as part of their induction and ongoing professional development. Training includes:

• The correct handling and disposal of sharps
• Infection control and risk minimisation
• Emergency procedures in the event of a needlestick injury
• The legal and regulatory requirements associated with sharps management

Refresher training must be provided annually or sooner if significant procedural changes occur. Employees who fail to comply with sharps management protocols may be subject to additional training or disciplinary action.

11. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure compliance with this policy:

• Regular audits will be conducted to assess sharps handling and disposal practices
• Incident reports and near-miss data will be reviewed to identify trends and areas for improvement
• Feedback from staff will be collected to enhance training and procedural guidelines
• All breaches of this policy will be investigated, and corrective actions implemented

12. Compliance & Legal Considerations

This policy aligns with:

• Care Inspectorate Scotland Regulations, ensuring safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidelines, which set out employer responsibilities in preventing needlestick injuries
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, which outline the safe management of hazardous waste
• The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013, which set standards for sharps management in healthcare settings

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislative updates or operational changes require revisions. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff through training sessions and policy briefings.

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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}}
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