Unit 13: Needle Stick Injury
Needle Stick Injury
Needle stick injuries are wounds caused by needles that accidentally puncture the skin. Needle stick injuries are a hazard for people who work with hypodermic syringes and other needle equipment. These injuries can occur at any time when people use, disassemble, or dispose of needles.
How do you treat?
Take reasonable care and follow these steps:
- Wash the area gently with soap and running tap water as soon as possible
- Apply an antiseptic and a clean dressing .
- Obtain prompt medical advice from your local doctor or hospital emergency department, preferably within 24 hours.
- Dispose of the needle safely
Sharps Box
A sharps container is a hard-plastic container that is used to safely dispose of hypodermic needles and other sharp medical instruments, such as an IV catheters and disposable scalpels. Sharps containers may be single use which are disposed of with the waste inside, or reusable which are robotically emptied and sterilized before being returned for re-use. Needles are dropped into the container through an opening in the top.
Needles should never be pushed or forced into the container, as damage to the container and/or needle stick injuries may result. Sharps containers should not be filled above the indicated line, usually two-thirds full.
Please check with your local council of where to dispose of correct and for the use regulations.