Demonstrate the safe handling of sharps.

Demonstration should include

• identifying the types of sharps (e.g., suturing needles, scalpels) that most often result in surgical injuries
• identifying the bloodborne illnesses most commonly resulting from surgical injuries (i.e., the human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and hepatitis B [HBV])
• handling sharps safely (i.e., while positioning them, while passing them, and while placing them in a sharps container)
• ensuring a correct count of sharps
• using safety handles for sharps
• avoiding the recapping of needles
• introducing a safe no-sharp zone
• disposing of sharps into container(s), according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and facility-specific regulations.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why are sharps dangerous to the surgical team?
• What precautions can be taken to minimize injuries from sharps in the operating room?
• What can be the consequences of failure to follow OSHA regulations regarding the safe use and disposal of sharps?