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Recommended Work Practices: Sharps

Generally, the use of sharps should be restricted to procedures for which there is no alternative. Situations where the use of sharps may be appropriate include parenteral injection, phlebotomy, and aspiration of fluids. Plastic alternatives should be substituted for glassware whenever possible to prevent the unnecessary potential for sharps related exposure incidents.

If it has been determined that the use of sharps is unavoidable, the following practices should be adhered to:

1. All personnel should be trained in safe sharps handling procedures.
2. Use disposable sharps devices (i.e., scalpels, biopsy punches, needles) if at all possible.
3. Procedures should be organized in a manner that limits personnel exposure to the sharp device. For example:
   • Do not expose/unsheath sharp devices until the procedure actually requires the use of these items
   • Do not leave exposed sharp items unattended
   • If feasible, place an MSU-approved sharps container within arm's reach of the point of use for the sharp item to allow for immediate disposal (For reusable sharps, use a hard-walled container that encloses the sharp end of the device)
4. Do not bend or break sharps.
5. Do not recap sharps if possible. If recapping is required, use a one-handed scoop technique. Note: The need for recapping can be eliminated through the use of safer sharps devices.
6. Do not handle sharps with two hands.
7. Dispose of waste sharps in a properly labeled MSU-approved sharps container.
8. Permanently close and dispose of sharps containers when they are ¾ full or within 90 days of the date of first use, whichever comes first. Do NOT overfill or shake containers because these actions can result in accidental sharps exposure.
9. Reusable sharps should be placed in a hard walled container for storage until processing for reuse.
10. Broken glassware should be handled with a mechanical device, such as tongs, forceps, or a broom and dustpan rather than directly by hand.

Safer Sharps Program
Laboratories that use human derived materials or work with bloodborne pathogens are subject to the requirements of the Bloodborne Infectious Diseases Standard. This standard requires that available safer sharps devices be used and that those devices be reviewed annually in consideration of newly marketed ones. For additional information on safer sharps refer to the MSU Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan or contact the Biosafety Office at 355-0153.

Recommended Work Practices: Cryostats

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