Safe Handling and Disposal of Surgical Blades: Best Practices

Surgical blades are among the most common causes of sharps injuries in healthcare settings. The good news is that the vast majority of these injuries are preventable with the right practices and equipment.

The Risk of Sharps Injuries

A needle stick or sharps injury can expose healthcare workers to blood borne pathogens including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Beyond the immediate health risk, these incidents carry significant psychological impact and administrative burden. Prevention is always preferable to post-exposure management.

Safe Handling Practices

• Never re-sheath a blade : Re-sheathing is one of the most common causes of sharps injuries. If a blade must be temporarily covered, use a one-handed technique or a purpose-built resheathing device.
• Use a blade removal device : Never remove a blade from a handle using your fingers. A blade remover or forceps should always be used.
• Pass blades safely : In theatre, use a neutral zone (a designated tray or kidney dish) to pass sharps between team members. Never hand a blade directly from person to person.
• Stay focused : Most sharps injuries occur during moments of distraction. Maintain concentration when handling blades.

Disposal

All used surgical blades must be disposed of in an approved sharps container immediately after use. Key points:

• Never overfill a sharps container : seal and replace when three-quarters full.
• Sharps containers must meet BS 7320 / UN 3291 standards in the UK.
• Disposal must comply with your organisation’s clinical waste policy.

Choosing Safer Products

Disposable scalpels with retractable or shielded blades offer an additional layer of protection. Nice Products’ range of disposable scalpels includes options designed with sharps safety in mind.