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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 | S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
The extra thickness that double-gloving provides can help to protect hands
against contact with sharps. Plus, if the gloves are different colors, it's easy
to detect a breach that may allow contact with bloodborne pathogens.
AORN backs this thinking, as does the American College of Surgeons,
which recommends double-gloving alongside the use of safety scalpels,
blunt suture needles and
neutral zones. Staff may
initially complain that the
practice is uncomfort-
able, but evidence sug-
gests that it should
become a standard part
of personal protective
equipment.
To further limit sharps
injury risks, use a tray,
basin or designated area in
the sterile field as a "neu-
tral zone" where items are
set down, then picked up.
That's a safe, quick and
effective way to eliminate
hand-to-hand transfers and
comply with OSHA-
approved practices. OSM
Ms. Owen
(
owenm@sjchs.org
) is the
surgical services educator at
St. Joseph's/Candler Health
System in Savannah, Ga.
S H A R P S S A F E T Y
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©2014 Ansell Limited. All rights reserved.
MANY SOLUTIONS.
SANDEL Sharps Safety Solutions
For more information or to place an order,
call 866-764-3327.
Everything you need to help reduce sharps injuries and
comply with recommendations from OSHA, AORN & ACS.
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