SL137-Managing Sharps Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Managing Sharps Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively and safely manages the use, handling, storage, and disposal of sharps within its supported living services. This policy is in line with the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013, and best practices to prevent injury, infection, and contamination.

Proper management of sharps is essential to protecting staff, service users, and visitors from the risks associated with needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This policy sets out clear guidance on procedures for handling sharps, staff training, risk assessments, and compliance monitoring to ensure a safe and efficient care environment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members, including care workers, nurses, clinical staff, administrative staff, volunteers, and external professionals who may come into contact with sharps within {{org_field_name}}. It includes guidance on:

Safe handling and disposal of sharps to prevent injuries and contamination.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to hazardous materials.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
Emergency procedures in case of sharps injuries to ensure immediate and appropriate response.
Staff training and compliance monitoring to uphold best practices in sharps management.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

3.1 CQC and Health and Safety Regulations

This policy aligns with CQC Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment, ensuring that staff handle sharps safely to prevent harm.
Compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013, which sets out legal requirements for safe sharps management.
Adherence to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, ensuring safe handling and disposal of hazardous biological materials.

3.2 Duty of Care and Employer Responsibilities

{{org_field_name}} has a duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of staff and service users by implementing sharps management protocols.
Risk assessments are conducted regularly to identify hazards and implement control measures to reduce risks.
Staff are provided with appropriate training, PPE, and safe sharps disposal equipment to minimise risks.

4. Safe Use and Handling of Sharps

4.1 Identification of Sharps Sharps include but are not limited to:

Needles used for injections, vaccinations, or blood tests.
Syringes that come with fixed or detachable needles.
Lancets used for blood glucose testing.
Scalpels and other cutting instruments used in medical procedures.
Broken glass that may cause injury if not disposed of correctly.
Razor blades used for grooming or medical purposes.

4.2 Safe Handling Procedures

Only trained and authorised personnel are permitted to handle sharps to ensure safety.
Avoid recapping needles as it increases the risk of accidental needlestick injuries.
Use sharps only when necessary, and where possible, opt for safer alternatives such as retractable needles or needle-free devices.
Dispose of sharps immediately after use in designated sharps disposal containers to prevent accidental exposure.

5. Safe Storage and Disposal of Sharps

5.1 Sharps Containers

Approved sharps disposal containers must be used at all times, meeting the required safety standards.
Containers must be leak-proof, puncture-resistant, and clearly labelled for easy identification.
Sharps bins must be placed at the point of use to reduce the risk of carrying used sharps around the workplace.
Containers should never be overfilled and must be sealed when they reach the fill line to prevent spillage or injury.

5.2 Disposal and Waste Management

Full sharps bins must be collected by licensed hazardous waste disposal contractors to ensure proper disposal.
Used sharps must never be disposed of in general waste bins to prevent accidental injury.
Compliance with local council and Environmental Protection Act 1990 waste disposal regulations is mandatory.

6. Prevention of Sharps Injuries

6.1 Staff Training and Awareness

All staff handling sharps must complete mandatory training on sharps safety and infection control.
Training covers topics such as:
- Proper handling techniques to reduce risk.
- Correct disposal procedures to ensure compliance.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to enhance safety.
- Emergency response to sharps injuries to ensure quick medical intervention.
Regular refresher training is provided to ensure staff remain competent and up to date with best practices.

6.2 Use of PPE and Safety Devices

Staff must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and protective clothing, when handling sharps.
Where available, staff must use safety-engineered devices such as retractable needles to reduce the risk of injury.
Employers must provide safer needle alternatives and regularly review the effectiveness of sharps safety measures.

7. Responding to a Sharps Injury

7.1 Immediate First Aid

Encourage bleeding of the wound under running water to flush out contaminants.
Do not squeeze the wound as this may spread infection.
Wash the area with soap and warm water, avoiding scrubbing.
Apply a sterile dressing to the affected area to protect the wound.

7.2 Reporting and Medical Evaluation

All sharps injuries must be reported immediately to a line manager or designated health and safety officer.
Staff must complete an incident report detailing how the injury occurred.
If exposure to bloodborne pathogens is suspected, staff must seek urgent medical evaluation for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV prophylaxis, if necessary.
Occupational health referrals must be made where required for follow-up testing and support.

7.3 Post-Injury Review and Preventative Measures

Every sharps injury is investigated to determine the root cause and prevent future occurrences.
Risk assessments and procedures are updated based on lessons learned from incidents.
Regular safety audits ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement.

8. Monitoring and Compliance

8.1 Compliance Audits and Quality Assurance

Regular audits are conducted to ensure adherence to sharps management policies and CQC regulations.
Incident reports and training records are reviewed to confirm staff compliance.
Findings from audits are used to implement improvements where needed.

8.2 Staff Responsibilities

All staff must adhere to this policy and report any hazards, risks, or incidents involving sharps.
Line managers are responsible for ensuring that staff receive training and have access to sharps disposal facilities.

9. Related Policies

SL02 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
SL07 – Health and Safety Policy
SL13 – Risk Assessment and Incident Reporting Policy
SL19 – Staff Training and Competency Policy
SL25 – Waste Management and Environmental Policy

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if regulations, guidelines, or best practices require updates.

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.