Sharps Safety 101: Keep It Smart and Safe with Annual Training

Let’s get real about sharps safety. Every year, we’re required to brush up on it, and honestly, I get it. Working with needles and sharp tools all day? There’s risk, and it’s not something we can ignore. The CDC and OSHA are pretty clear about what they want from us: regular training, updated safety tools, and a strong protocol. So let’s break down what they’re asking, and look at some ways to make things safer and easier, like using tools from Armor Dental to keep our hands out of the line of fire.

What CDC and OSHA Want Us to Remember About Sharps Safety

If it’s been a minute since your last annual review, here’s a quick refresher:

1. Annual Sharps Safety Training

   OSHA says we need to refresh our sharps safety training once a year (at least). This isn’t just another thing to check off. It’s about keeping sharp tools safe, knowing what to do in case of a needlestick, and making sure everyone’s on the same page. CDC guidelines back this up, pushing for hands-on training and refreshers to keep us sharp (pun intended).

2. Using Engineering Controls

   Engineering controls are your tools and gadgets designed to keep you safe while working. OSHA says, “Use them whenever you can.” Engineering controls go beyond technique—they’re tools that reduce risk by design. These can be self-sheathing needles, needle guards, or products like Comfort-Soft or Scan-Mate from Armor Dental. These handy retraction tools help keep our fingers safe while giving anesthesia.

3. Logging Incidents and Keeping Track of What Works

   Both CDC and OSHA want us to document any and all sharps injuries. Keeping track helps us see what needs work and what’s working. It’s all about spotting patterns, improving protocols, and getting a full picture of our safety practices over time. The documentation also shows inspectors we’re serious about safety.

   
   

   Need the exact guidance? Check out CDC Guidelines on Sharps Safety in Dentistry and OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Why Comfort-Soft and Scan-Mate Make a Difference

If you’re reviewing your sharps safety setup, let’s talk about Comfort-Soft and Scan-Mate from Armor Dental. These tools aren’t just nice to have—they can make a difference when it comes to protecting your fingers from accidental pokes and nicks. Here’s how:

1. Protect Fingers While Retracting Tissue

   Administering anesthesia while holding back tissue can feel like a balancing act, and your fingers can be at risk. Tools like Comfort-Soft and Scan-Mate keep your fingers out of the danger zone by holding and retracting the tissue for you. Fewer accidents and a smoother workflow? I’ll take it.

2. Better Visibility and Control

   These tools give you that extra control and visibility, making your work easier and more accurate, especially in tight areas. It also reduces the “I hope I don’t slip” moments that we all know too well.

3. Easily Integrated into Your Sharps Safety Program

   As engineering controls, tools like these are right in line with OSHA’s standards. Adding them to your sharps safety protocols is a no-brainer, especially during the annual review, to see what’s working and what could use an upgrade.

4 Quick Steps to Refresh Your Sharps Safety Routine

To keep everyone in sync and on top of safety, try these steps during your next annual review:

1. Review the Basics

   Go over sharps handling, disposal, and the “what ifs” if someone gets a needlestick. Remind everyone about proper PPE and how to handle contaminated sharps.

2. Introduce or Revisit Engineering Controls

   If Comfort-Soft and Scan-Mate aren’t part of your setup, now’s a great time to bring them in. If they’re already in use, take a few minutes to make sure everyone’s using them correctly and confidently.

3. Hands-On Practice

   Let the team get comfortable with using these tools. Practice makes perfect, and this is one area where practice matters a lot.

4. Document Everything

   Record who was trained, update your SOPs to reflect new tools or techniques, and make sure the practice is compliant. It’s simple but essential to keeping the office safe and ready for inspections.

Sharps Safety Is All About Routine

If we’re honest, a lot of injuries happen because of habits and small mistakes that creep in. Annual training reminds us of the basics and keeps us sharp (again, pun intended!). By adding engineering controls and taking advantage of tools like Comfort-Soft and Scan-Mate, we’re actively reducing risks and setting the team up for success.

So, ready to level up your sharps safety game? Need resources to help train your team? Check out our training programs and guides tailored for Infection Control Coordinators. Let’s keep safety as routine as brushing and flossing.