Program Manual - Saint Louis University

After use, the disposable sharp or non-sharp needle assembly must be discarded as a
single unit into a sharps container.
Immediately or as soon as possible after use, contaminated sharps must be placed in
a container until appropriately processed. These containers must be puncture
resistant, labeled with a biohazard symbol, or color-coded in red, leak-proof on the
sides and bottom, and handled as noted in the “housekeeping section that follows.
Personal Habits and Eating
OSHA prohibits eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm and
handling contact lens in work areas (i.e., clinic treatment station)) where there is a
reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure.
Likewise the OSHA standard on blood borne pathogens also prohibits storage of food
and drink in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or other countertops or bench
tops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present.
Minimizing Exposure
All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials must be
performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering and
generation of droplets of these substances. An example of a method that minimizes
the aforementioned exposure would be high-volume dental evacuation.
Mouth Pipetting
Mouth pipetting/suctioning of blood or other potentially infectious materials is
prohibited.
Specimens
Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials must be placed in a
container that prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage,
transport or shipping. The container must be labeled with a biohazard symbol or
color-coded in red and closed prior to being stored, transported or shipped. If outside
contamination of the primary container occurs; it must be placed in a second
container that prevents leakage and is labeled or color-coded according to the
requirements of this standard.
The primary container does not have to be labeled. If transported only within the
facility, universal precautions are followed routinely and recognized as containing
specimens.
Equipment
Equipment that becomes contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious
materials must be examined prior to servicing or shipping and must be
decontaminated as necessary, unless this is not feasible. A label must be attached to
the equipment stating which portions remain contaminated. This information must be
conveyed to all affected employees, the servicing representative, and/or the
manufacturer prior to handling, servicing or shipping.
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