Needles & Sharps Awareness

What is a “needlestick” injury?

A needlestick injury occurs when your skin is accidentally punctured by a needle

It is not just needle users who are at risk. Other people are at risk and these include: Porters Domestic staff Bar staff Gardeners Security staff

Sometimes needles can be carelessly discarded in areas such as: Toilets Gardens and shrubbery Refuse sacks and waste bins In bedding

In some circumstances needles can be deliberately hidden in Toilet cisterns Accessible light fittings Communal stairways Bathrooms & Drains

If a used needle accidentally punctures the skin, there is a risk of infection from a range of diseases and blood bourne viruses.

You may have heard of some types of blood bourne viruses. These include HIV Hepatitis B Hepatitis C

What you must do if you think you have suffered a needlestick injury.

Squeeze the wound to encourage bleeding – do not suck the wound Wash the area with soap and water but without scrubbing Cover the wound with a sterile dressing Tell your manager or supervisor

Obtain urgent advice: Weekdays 9.00 - 5.00 Contact Occupational Health with all the available details for urgent advice Tel: 0161 275 2858

Outside Hours and Bank Holidays: Contact the A&E Department of Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI). At the earliest opportunity report the incident to Occupational Health with all available details on the next working day.

What happens then? The hospital will decide what further action will be taken. This might involve blood tests, vaccinations and counselling.

If you find a needle DO NOT touch it with your hand or foot. Leave the location safe and tell your manager or supervisor who will arrange for its collection and safe disposal.

There are some things that you can do to help prevent yourself or a colleague becoming injured due to a discarded needle or sharp object. Stay alert – needles can be discarded or hidden anywhere. If you find one – do as you have been trained, leave the area safe and inform your manager or supervisor so that they can have it safely removed.

Ensure clear refuse sacks are in use where you work. Don’t discard sharp objects such as broken glass in refuse sacks. Place it in the glass bin provided. When you remove a refuse sack, check it over to see whether there is anything sharp protruding that could cause an injury to you or someone else. If in any doubt speak immediately with your supervisor.