Environmental Health & Safety Office

In compliance and in conjunction with federal standards, Framingham State College has developed a policy for needlestick injuries. 

This policy is established to eliminate or minimize exposure through needlestick injuries to blood or other potentially infectious materials. 

During the course of performing assigned or necessary tasks, students or employees may have contact with blood or bodily fluid of other individuals or animals.  It is the policy of Framingham State College to follow appropriate precautions by all persons who may be at risk. 

Purpose:

• To protect the worker or student from exposure to potentially infectious blood and body fluid.

• To provide guidelines for students and employees to utilize for their own safety.

• To prevent the transmission of infection through improper handling of possibly contaminated materials.

Equipment:

The equipment required will vary based upon the nature and types of contacts anticipated.  The list is as follows:

• Impervious sharps container

• Gloves

• Other equipment as necessary, including, but not limited to:  plastic aprons, eye goggles, masks.

Treat all blood, body fluids, and other agents as potentially infections.

• Handle blood and other body fluids in a way that avoids splashing and spraying.
• Wear gloves at all times.
• Remove gloves and lab coats when leaving work area.
• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves.
• Keep all work areas clean.
• Clean contaminated work surfaces with disinfectant immediately after use.
• Place regulated wastes in appropriately labeled containers.
• If any possible exposure takes place (blood spatter, splash or needlestick), immediately notify the instructor, and see below.
• Place all needles and other sharps in a container that is puncture resistant and labeled properly.

Do NOT:

• Bend or reap needles.

• Eat, drink, smoke, apply lipstick or handle contact lenses where exposure may take place.

• Bring food and drink into laboratory at any time.

• Pick up broken glass with hands.

CONTAINERS:

All regulated containers must be labeled as "biohazard".  The containers must be closed, leakproof, and be labeled properly. 

Sharps containers must be easily accessible and as close to work area as possible.

Container must remain upright at all times.

Container must not be filled past the "DO NOT FILL ABOVE" line on the container. 

In the unlikely event of a needlestick:

• Notify your instructor immediately.
• Immediately wash the area with disinfectant soap and warm water.  Use lots of water.
• If the needlestick injury occurs between students, immediately call Campus Police.  Health Services in Foster Hall is available from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday for treatment.  During the evening and weekend hours, Campus Police should transport to a local health care provider.
• If the needlestick injury occurs with biological agents, speak to instructor to determine the exact ingredients of agent.
• A tetanus shot may be required after a needlestick.  It is recommended that follow-up be performed with a doctor.

This policy is in place to protect you from potentially infectious diseases. 

If you have any questions, please contact your instructor, Health Services, or Maureen Bagge Fowler, Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator, 508-626-4633.