Needle Devices

It is not always possible to use a needleless system for a job or procedure. In these cases, workers should use a needle with engineered sharp protection to withdraw fluids, access veins or arteries, administer fluids and medication, or perform any other procedure that could expose the workers to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

There is a wide range of engineered sharp protection for needles, including:

• Needles that retract into a syringe
• IV needles that are permanently recessed in a covering that fits over the connector
• Hinged or sliding shields for syringes or phlebotomy, winged steel needles, and blood gas needles
• Blunted tubes that can slide out of a syringe as it retracts from the skin

Non-needle sharps, such as retractable or shielded lancets, must also incorporate engineered sharp protection.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.