Biological hazards and sharps

Needles, sharps and materials contaminated with blood, body fluids or waste that can cause needlestick injuries and viral or bacterial infection.

Also known as: Contaminated materials, Needlestick injury, Needlestick injuries, Sharps, Viral or bacterial infection, Infection, Infectious disease, Legionnaires Disease

How to control biological hazards and sharps

Use sharps containers and tongs or pick-up tools so nobody has to handle needles or sharps by hand.
Never recap needles or reach blindly into bins, bags, gaps or crevices where sharps may be hidden.
Provide hand-washing facilities, and clean up blood and body fluid spills using a spill kit and suitable disinfectant.
Offer vaccination, such as for hepatitis B, to workers at risk of exposure to blood, body fluids or contaminated waste.
Have a post-exposure procedure: wash the area, report the incident and get prompt medical assessment after any needlestick injury.
Wear puncture-resistant gloves and protective clothing when handling waste or material that may be contaminated.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.