Stepping into Management Knowledge

H&S Training

1.08

HOW TO DEAL WITH BODY FLUID SPILLAGE AND SYRINGES SAFELY

Purpose of the Training Exercise: To ensure that team members who may come into contact with body fluid spillages and syringes/needles understand how to clean it up safely.

Training Aids  Reference: Safety Manual (H&S Policies and Procedures) sections 3.3 and 3.16.

 Disposable pack Sharps Box (Brakes ref:- 555137)  Disposable latex free, powder free gloves (white)  Disposable plastic Apron (white)  Desguard 20 sanitiser to treat the cleaned area

Training Method This training session should be carried out by explaining the procedure and showing the group what the equipment looks like and where it can be found.

EXPLAIN TO THE GROUP:  There is a potential risk of exposure to HIV infection and Hepatitis B from skin punctures caused by hypodermic needles and to a lesser extent when cleaning up body fluid spillages such as blood or vomit.  The risk of infection is small but cannot be ignored.  HIV and Hepatitis B organisms can only survive for a matter of hours away from the human body therefore there is no risk of infection from air borne droplets from people with HIV or Hepatitis B.  In this training session we will learn how to safely deal with syringes and clean up body fluids.

1. Syringe Safety ASK QUESTION TO GROUP: Where are used needles likely to be found on our premises?

CONFIRM CORRECT ANSWERS:  The answers will be specific to your business premises, but here are some of the likely places:

 Down the backs of Soft furnishings (sofas etc).  waste bins  Refuse sacks

 Toilets - behind pipe-work, toilets and WC cisterns  On top of toilet roll holders  Carpeted areas  On persons themselves.

PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING A NEEDLE/SYRINGE:  Put on a pair of disposable gloves  Pick up the syringe with extreme care using disposable tweezers if available holding the body of the syringe and pointing the needle away from you.  Place in a sharps box by bringing the container to the needle, not vice versa then seal the lid.  Wash your hands thoroughly after discarding the latex gloves and tweezers.  Ensure an Incident Report Form is completed.  Do not throw away in the bin we call Ops Admin to contact the Local Authority Refuse Department or a specialist contractor to remove the needle from site.

Safety Assurance March

2016

H&S

1.08