Risk Factors of Biological Agents and Unsafe Practices That Can Result in Worker Injury or Illness
Sharps Management (Needles, blades, scalpels, wires, lancets)
- Sharps container-placement and use
- Poor and inaccessible location: on the floor, in a cabinet, under sink, obstructed, too high
- Fill contents/size: greater than 3/4 filled (unacceptable); must be large enough for the device being disposed
- Poor lid design: contents spill
- Visibility: container is opaque or does not allow fill level to be seen
- Improper container disposal: not placed in biowaste container
Equipment and Supplies
- Improper disinfection of equipment and surfaces
- Dentistry, medical: endoscope
- Reuse of single use items or disposables: plastic impression trays, saliva ejectors, bone graft material, single dose vials
- Uncleaned surfaces
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Improper sequence for donning and doffing, and improper disposal of PPE
- Improper use and selection of PPE
- Not wearing PPE correctly; using prescription glasses to replace safety glasses (Note: Can use prescription safety glasses or wear safety goggles over glasses); improper mask or respirator and respirator replacement; not using fluid resistant gowns for the anticipated fluid exposure
Unsafe Work Practices
- Recapping of syringes (without mechanical device/one-handed)
- Reuse of syringes
- Lack of proper hand hygiene practice
- Cell phone usage in restricted (clinical) areas creating opportunity for potential injury to healthcare worker due to clinician distraction and device contamination
- Food, drink, and application of cosmetics in clinical areas
- Improper instrument or specimen transport (sharps, blood/body fluids)
- Lack of biohazard labeling