Using the App

Sharps and Waste Simulator

Premium tool. Open directly at /sharps-waste-simulator. The simulator has its own page; it is not currently listed on the /training-dashboard hub.

Sharps injury is the most common occupational risk in pathology. Waste-stream classification is a regulated routine. This simulator drills both.

What it does

• Simulates a sharps injury scenario from the moment it happens
• Walks you through the immediate first aid and occupational health workflow
• Asks you to classify a varied set of clinical waste items into the correct stream
• Tests handling of unusual waste — pathology specimens, formalin, mercury (rare but exists)

Sharps injury workflow

1. Encourage bleeding at the puncture site (do NOT suck)
2. Wash thoroughly with soap and running water
3. Cover with a waterproof dressing
4. Report to the line manager within the hour
5. Occupational Health appointment — same day for any blood-borne virus risk
6. Source patient identification — request consent for HBV / HCV / HIV testing
7. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — if HIV risk and within 72 h window
8. Datix report — log within 24 h
9. Follow-up serology at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks (or trust-specific schedule)
10. HBV booster if vaccination status is uncertain

EPP rules (Exposure Prone Procedures)

Most pathology work is not EPP. However, BMSs performing autopsy assistance or specific specimen-dissection procedures may be subject to EPP rules including HBV / HCV / HIV testing. The simulator covers when this applies.

Clinical waste streams (UK)

• Orange bag — infectious waste (Cat B / UN3291) for incineration or alternative treatment
• Yellow bag — infectious waste contaminated with medicinal products
• Tiger striped bag — offensive / hygiene waste (non-infectious)
• Purple lid sharps bin — cytotoxic / cytostatic medicines
• Yellow lid sharps bin — anatomical / pharmaceutical
• Orange lid sharps bin — sharps fully infectious (most pathology)
• Black bag — domestic waste (non-clinical)
• Specialist routes — formalin, xylene, mercury, glutaraldehyde

UN classifications

• UN3291 — Clinical waste, unspecified
• UN1845 — Dry ice (transport-relevant)
• UN3373 — Biological substances Category B (samples; see article 51)
• UN2814 / UN2900 — Category A infectious substances (rare in routine)

Standards alignment

• HSE Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 + amendments
• Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 — sharps prevention
• EU Hazardous Waste Directive (retained UK law)
• Environment Agency Waste Carriers Regulations
• HTM 07-01 — NHS clinical-waste guidance (current)
• PHE / UKHSA Eye of the Needle annual sharps report

Bands and competency mapping

• Band 2 / 3 — execute basic waste classification; report sharps incidents
• Band 4 / 5 — manage Cat B handling; train new starters; complete Datix
• Band 6 / 7 — health and safety officer role; chair safety committee; lead annual HTM 07-01 audit