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Published: Monday, 29 April 2013 08:30

Written by News Editor

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http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis7.htm

The Sharps Regulations require that the following risk control measures are put in place:

• avoid, so far as is reasonably practicable, the use of sharps;
• when sharps have to be used, ‘safer sharps’ are used where it reasonably practicable to do so; 
• needles are not capped/re-sheathed after use unless the risk is effectively controlled by use of a suitable appliance, tool or other equipment; 
• sharps are disposed of safely - written instructions are available and clearly marked and secure containers are located close to areas where medical sharps are used.

As outlined above, traditional, unprotected medical sharps must be substituted with a ‘safer sharp’ where it reasonably practicable to do so. The term ‘safer sharp’ means medical sharps that incorporate features or mechanisms to prevent or minimise the risk of accidental injury. For example, a range of syringes and needles are now available with a shield or cover that slides or pivots to cover the needle after use.
 
When deciding if it is reasonably practicable to substitute traditional unprotected sharps for ‘safer sharps’ the following factors should be considered:

• the device must not compromise patient care;
• the reliability of the device;
• the dentist, hygienist or therapist should be able to maintain appropriate control over the procedure; 
• other safety hazards or sources of blood exposure that use of the device may introduce; 
• ease of use (taking into account the existing clinical practices commonly in use by dental professionals – but not assuming custom and practice is safest); 
• is the safety mechanism design suitable for the application? The following are relevant:
  • if activation of the safety mechanism is straightforward, it is more likely to be used;
  • if the safety mechanism is integral to the device (i.e. not a separate accessory) it cannot be lost or misplaced; 
  • for many uses a single-handed or automatic activation will be preferable;
  • an audible, tactile or visual signal that the safety mechanism has correctly activated is helpful to the user; and
  • the safety mechanism is not effective if it is easily reversible.

If a suitable ‘safer sharp’ is not available or is not reasonably practicable (see above), the dentist, hygienist or therapist must still ensure that safe procedures for working with and disposal of the sharp are in place.

Needles must not be recapped after use unless a risk assessment has been conducted and objectively concludes that recapping is required to control a risk - this could be a risk to the dentist, dental care professional or patient (e.g. to reduce the risk of contaminating a needle used to deliver or top-up local anaesthetic). If a risk is identified, then recapping must only be done with an appropriate device to control the risk of injury (for example needle blocks or syringes with retractable sheaths).

 

The above text has been supplied by the British Dental Association, the full article can be viewed within the members area of their website

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