All sharps have the potential to cause injury through cuts or puncture wounds.
In addition, many sharps are contaminated with blood or body fluids, microbiological materials, toxic chemicals or radioactive substances, posing a risk of infection or illness if they penetrate the skin. It is therefore essential to follow safe procedures when using and disposing of sharps in order to protect staff and students from sharps injuries. The University's sharps disposal procedures shall be adhered to. Sharps shall be placed into a sharps container as soon as possible after use. To avoid needlestick injuries, needles shall not be re-sheathed.