Sharps

What is a sharp?

      A sharp is any object that can puncture or cut someone or something. Examples of sharps include:

• needles
• syringes
• lancets
• scalpel or razor blades
• glass pipes
• any other item that may puncture or cut the skin and may have blood or bodily fluids on it (such as items used for diabetes care, hormone injections, or fertility treatment).

Where can I get supplies to help with safe sharps cleanup?

 Tongs, disposable gloves, and disinfectant wipes are optional and may be purchased at a local retail store.

When picking up a sharp, you will need a hard-sided, puncture-resistant container. You can get a biohazard container at participating pharmacies or use an empty pop bottle or laundry detergent container with a lid instead. 

Participating pharmacies distribute biohazard containers to:

• • general community members
  • people using needles for diagnosed health issues (e.g., diabetes)
  • people using needles or drug equipment for substance use
  • community organizations and workplaces (e.g., warming centre, gas station, convenience store)

Please check with each pharmacy about the number of biohazard containers that can be picked up free-of-charge per visit.

 Other pharmacies in the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts may also offer free biohazard containers. 

 How do I pick up a sharp safely?

   Always assume that blood and body fluids are infectious.

• Never put your fingers inside or reach into a hard-sided, puncture-proof container (e.g., biohazard container, pop bottle, laundry detergent bottle with a lid).
• Cover any cuts, rashes or broken skin.
• Wear gloves when handling anything that may have blood or bodily fluids on it.
• Do not eat or drink in the area where you are handling or disposing of sharps.
• Do not recap, bend or break needles.
• If you find unopened needles or sharps in the community, or unopened sharps mixed with used equipment, do not sort through them. It can be hard to tell which packages are opened or contaminated. Treat all opened and unopened sharps the same and dispose of them safely following the steps below.
• Dispose of hard-sided, puncture-proof containers (e.g., biohazard container, pop bottle, laundry detergent container with a lid) when the content reaches the full line.

2. Gather and prepare equipment.

• Gather a hard-sided, puncture-proof container (e.g., biohazard container, pop bottle, laundry detergent container with lid). Place the container on flat, stable surface. You may also choose to use tongs, disposable gloves, or disinfectant wipes, but these items are optional.

3. Pick up the sharp(s) and place it into a hard-sided container.

• If you have them, put on puncture-proof or disposable gloves.
• Use tongs to pick up each sharp one at a time. If you do not have tongs, pick up the sharp by the shaft/barrel (if it is a needle). Keep your free hand out of the way. 
• Place sharp into the container with the sharp end facing down.
• Close the lid of the hard-sided, puncture-proof container (e.g., biohazard container, pop bottle, laundry detergent container with a lid).

4. Wash hands and clean equipment

• If you used disposable gloves, take them off and put them in the garbage.
• If  you used puncture-proof gloves or tongs, wipe them with a disinfectant wipe and let them air dry.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

What safe sharps disposal options are available in the Health Unit region?

 What if I accidentally injure myself with a sharp?

• How deep the needle went
• How much blood or bodily fluid was in the needle
• The type of virus and how long it can live
• When the needle was used and how long it has been outside
• The health status of the person who used the needle
• Your immunization status

Someone who does get injured by a used sharp should:

• Let it bleed freely.
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Seek medical attention for serious injuries, and for advice about risks of infection and possible treatment.

If the incident happened while working, contact your occupational health department and report the incident accordingly.

Why does the Health Unit work with individuals who use needles?

We follow a harm reduction approach. This means we provide clients enough new, sterile needles so they can inject safely. The main goal of this program is to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, and to reduce the risks linked to substance use in the community.

We educate all clients how to safely dispose of needles and explain the risks of not doing so. We provide sharps containers and information about where they can dispose of their used supplies. We also encourage clients to return their used equipment directly to our program.

What do I include in a safe sharps handling and disposal kit?

Putting together a safe sharps handling and disposal kit is simple and low-cost The items below are recommended, but you can include whatever is available to you. A kit may include:

• Puncture-proof and/or disposable gloves
• Tongs, forceps or tweezers
• Hard-sided container with a lid (e.g. biohazard container, pop bottle, laundry detergent container with a lid)
• Disinfectant wipes
• Information on how to safely handle and dispose of a sharp

Purchasing Biohazard Containers

My organization/workplace has sharps containers in their bathrooms. Where can I dispose of the biohazard containers once they are full?

Organizations/workplaces may also connect with one of the following companies to set-up an account for regular disposal services:

• Daniel's Health
• ECS Cares
• Stericycle

Where can I get training for my staff?

Training is available by the Health Unit at no cost. Contact harm.reduction@healthunit.ca to schedule a Safe Sharps Handling and Disposal training.