ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 

 

SHARPS

A sharp is any object or device which has a point, rigid corner or edge capable of penetrating or cutting human skin. Examples of sharps encountered in a medical laboratory are hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, broken glass and Pasteur pipettes. Used sharps carry great risk as they may be contaminated with blood, tissue, body fluids and micro organisms and chemicals which may be toxic or radioactive. For correct disposal procedures see Waste disposal - Infectious Waste.

 

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