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