Safety-engineered sharp devices

As pharmacists are responsible for the purchasing of medical devices, they will be involved with risks for other healthcare workers as well. They may know that the best prevention against NSI is the use of safety-engineered sharp devices (SEDs). There a two kind of SEDs [88] ... 

The needle stick log will help both employees and employers track all needle sticks to help identify problem areas. The log must be maintained to protect the confidentiality of the injured employee. In addition, employers must have a written Exposure Control Plan that is updated annually. During the annual review, inquiries must be made about new or prospective safer options. If new safer devices are available, they should be adopted for use in the agency. The new guidelines will help reduce needle stick injuries among health care workers and others who handle medical sharps. Safety engineered devices such as self-sheathing needles and needleless systems can be used. 

Emphasis on engineering controls is based on ways to better protect workers from contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Many safety medical devices are already available and effective in controlling these hazards, and wider use of such devices would reduce thousands of injuries each year. OSHA issued a final regulation (29 CFR 1910.1030) on occupational exposure to bloodbome pathogens in 1991, to protect nearly six million workers in healthcare and related occupations at risk of exposure to bloodborne diseases. Occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials that may contain bloodbome pathogens, or microorganisms that can cause bloodborne diseases, is of concern to those workers who are at risk for exposure. 

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