We have a new piece of equipment that requires users to break open a glass phial and transfer the liquid using a needle and syringe, non biological. I am putting together some bullet points to train out to the users. Can any more experienced users offer any amendments or additions: • Never re-sheaf a needle • Place needles and phials single handed directly into the sharps bin when you have finished using them • Never put used or new needles or phials in the bin • Never hand an exposed needle to another person, place on table and the other picks up • Keep the other hand away from the needle • Do not overfill the sharps bin, change when ¾ full • Dispose of sharps bin as hazardous waste • Needle stick injuries must be reported as an incident • Haste causes most needle stick injuries – take your time

Bah. Meant to mention closing the lid when not in use and keeping them off the floor to avoid spillage of used needles. If needles are found outside the wastestream then forceps are good for retrieving and putting into a sharps bin. If they get into a bag, you need to look at disposing of the entire bag as hazardous and handling being done very carefully.

Glass vials can be more safely opened using a piece of gauze to cover the vial top and neck.

Thanks to all for your contributions, there are some good additions to my list. The VWR tool is £180 for 50, re-usable after autoclaving. I would like to buy a smaller quantity so I will hunt around. http://uk.vwr.com/app/ca...ticle_number=ZZJE103-040