What is needlestick safety and prevention act

Why do we have to follow it? Just like the requirement to wear a seat belt when you drive, following the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act is not a choice; it is a requirement. A sharp is any device that can puncture or cut the skin, such as needles, syringes, or lancets. Sharps are regulated because of their potential for spreading bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. CDC website: www. Back to Blog Gallery. So, what are the requirements?

Employers must provide and enforce the use of engineering controls such as safety needles, syringes, sharps containers, blade removers, needle recappers, etc.

A good way to start your compliance is to become aware of what is currently in use in your practice. Let your consultant know if you need any assistance.

Employers must consider product technological innovations, design and appropriateness to the procedures performed when considering a new safety device.

This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.

February 20, Ms. Your question is restated below followed by OSHA's response. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence. It mandated OSHA to revise its bloodborne pathogens standard to include specific additional definitions and requirements. We have attached it for your convenience.

It is also available on our website, along with other informative outreach materials on the hazards associated with exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials OPIM , see [ the Bloodborne Pathogens Technical Links Page ].

The OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard requires the institution of safety measures in workplaces where there is occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials OPIM. Under the standard, as revised by the NSPA, employers are required to evaluate, select, and use engineering controls e. In healthcare settings this requirement is easily interpreted to mean that employers must implement the use of "safety-engineered devices" or sharps with engineered sharps injury protection SESIPs when performing medical procedures with sharps, regardless how they are packaged or supplied.

If, during surgical procedures, as your letter specifies, physician specialists or other healthcare personnel are using medical instruments supplied in pre-packaged kits, those packages must include engineering controls appropriate for the specific procedures being performed.