Waste, linen and sharps
Safe handling prevents contaminated items from exposing workers, clients and the public.
Linen
Used linen can carry germs and skin flakes. Handle it as little as possible, don't shake it, and hold it away from your uniform. Bag it where it is used rather than carrying it through the building.
Linen soiled with body fluids usually goes into a separate, clearly marked bag according to your workplace procedure. Wear gloves and an apron when handling it.
Waste
Separate waste the way your workplace and local regulations require — general, recyclable and clinical or contaminated waste are handled differently. Never overfill bags; tie them off when about two-thirds full and hold them away from your body.
Sharps
Needles, lancets and blades cause injuries that can transmit bloodborne viruses. The person who uses a sharp is responsible for disposing of it straight away into an approved sharps container at the point of use.
Never recap, bend or break a used needle, never pass sharps hand to hand, and never put your hand into a sharps container or a bag that might contain sharps. Close and replace containers when they reach the fill line.
Key points
Do not shake used linen; bag it where it is used.
Separate waste according to workplace procedures.
Never recap, bend or handle a used sharp unnecessarily; place it directly into an approved container.
Handle as little as possible
Use the correct bag or container
Report exposures immediately
In childcare
Childcare
Keep sharps containers (for example, for a child's medication) out of children's reach and follow your service's medication policy.
Common mistakes
- Shaking out sheets to 'check' them.
- Recapping a used needle.
- Pushing rubbish down in a full bin with your hand.
On the job
Follow your workplace procedures, product instructions and supervisor guidance. If you are unsure, stop and ask before continuing the task.
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