Sharps and Bodily Fluids

The Robinson Services Training ethos 

“Training Matters in pursuit of excellence” 

ethos - the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested

in its attitudes and aspirations. 

Scope

• What are sharps and bodily fluids• How can they affect us and our customers• How to handle sharps and bodily fluids in

the workplace• Summary• Questions

Aim

• To ensure that all employees have a thorough understanding of how to deal with situations at work when encountering sharp instruments and when potentially in contact with bodily fluids

Sharps

• What is a sharp?• Where are they most likely found?• How can it be harmful?• Does it endanger ourselves and our

customers?

Sharps

Bodily fluids

• What are bodily fluids?• Where are they most likely found?• How can they be harmful?• Does it endanger ourselves and our

customers?

Bodily fluids

Dealing with sharps

• Identify the sharp• Inform your supervisor• Is assistance required?• Cordon the area if necessary (signs)• Identify what equipment you require for the task• DO NOT remove the item unless you are prepared

Sharps

• PPE• Sharps box• Gripper• Disinfectant wipes• Sprays

Sharps

• Don PPE• Assemble all equipment• Place sharps box on floor• Remove item and place in sharps box• DO NOT hold the sharps box in one hand

whilst removing the item with the other• Cleansing of area• Removal and safe stowage of sharps box• Disposal of PPE

Dealing with bodily fluids

• Identify and ventilate the area• Inform your supervisor• Is assistance required?• Cordon the area if necessary (signs)• Identify what equipment you require for the task• DO NOT attempt to remove the spillage unless you

are prepared

Bodily fluids

• PPE• Fluid spill kit• Disinfectant wipes• Sprays

Bodily fluids

• Don PPE• Assemble all equipment• Consider spillage pads/ scraper/ scoop/

absorbent granules• Cleansing of area• Removal and safe stowage (bio bag)• Disposal of PPE

Practical Ex 1Safe removal of a sharp

• Demo by trainer• Teams of 2• Watch each other carry out the task• Final comments by trainer

Practical Ex 2Safe removal of bodily fluids

• Demo by trainer• Teams of 2• Watch each other carry out the task• Final comments by trainer

Summary

• Sharps and bodily fluids pose risk• Early yet careful removal is key• Identify the area and secure• Inform supervisor• Use the correct PPE• Employ the correct methods• Care at all times

Questions?

The Robinson Services Training ethos 

“Training Matters in pursuit of excellence”

  ethos - the characteristic spirit of a

culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations.