Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.
- A&E (emergency department)
- The hospital department that assesses and treats people with serious or urgent injuries and illnesses.
- Anaphylaxis
- A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction needing immediate emergency treatment.
- Blood-borne virus (BBV)
- An infection such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV that can be passed on through blood.
- Cannula
- A thin, blunt-ended tube inserted into the body to deliver a product, used in some aesthetic treatments.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- The independent regulator of health and social care services in England.
- Contemporaneously
- Recorded at the time the event happens or immediately afterwards, while the details are fresh and accurate.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- The law for safely managing chemicals and other hazardous substances at work.
- Health and Safety (Sharps Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013
- The law requiring healthcare employers to prevent and manage injuries from needles and other sharps.
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- The main law setting out an employer's duty to protect the health and safety of staff and others affected by the work.
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- The national body responsible for enforcing workplace health and safety law.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- A blood-borne virus that infects the liver and can be prevented by vaccination.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- A blood-borne virus that infects the liver and can be passed on through contact with infected blood.
- Hollow-bore needle
- A needle with a hollow centre that can hold and carry blood, giving a higher risk of infection if it causes an injury.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- A blood-borne virus that weakens the immune system and can be passed on through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
- Immunoglobulin
- A preparation of protective antibodies given after exposure to help the body fight off a specific infection.
- Infection prevention and control (IPC)
- The measures used to stop infection spreading between clients, staff and visitors.
- Informed consent
- Agreement to treatment or testing given freely after the risks, benefits and alternatives have been clearly explained.
- Inoculation injury
- An injury, such as a needlestick or splash, that could introduce another person's blood or body fluid into your body.
- Lancet
- A small, sharp blade or pricking device used to pierce the skin, for example to take a drop of blood.
- Microneedling device
- A skin treatment tool with many fine needles that make tiny punctures in the skin.
- Mucocutaneous exposure
- Contact of blood or body fluid with the moist linings of the eyes, nose or mouth, or with broken skin.
- Near miss
- An event that could have caused harm but did not, by chance or because it was caught in time.
- Neutral zone
- An agreed spot, such as a tray, where sharps are placed down so they are never passed directly from hand to hand.
- Percutaneous injury
- An injury such as a cut or needlestick that breaks through the skin.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Items such as gloves, aprons and masks worn to protect against harm or infection.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
- Medication started promptly after a significant exposure to reduce the risk of catching a blood-borne virus.
- Registered Manager
- The person registered with the regulator as responsible for the day-to-day running of a service.
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
- The law requiring certain workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous events to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.
- Risk assessment
- A structured check identifying what could cause harm and what is being done to prevent it.
- Safer-engineered device
- A sharp with a built-in safety feature, such as a shield or retractable needle, designed to reduce the risk of injury.
- Serology
- A blood test that checks for signs of infection or immunity by looking for antibodies in the blood.
- Sharp
- A needle, blade or other item that can cut or puncture the skin.
- Sharps bin
- A rigid, puncture-resistant container used to safely collect and dispose of used sharps.
- Single-handed scoop technique
- A way of re-capping a needle using only one hand, so the other hand is never placed near the point.
- Source patient
- The patient or other person whose blood or body fluid was involved in an exposure.
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- A written, step-by-step instruction setting out exactly how a particular task should be carried out.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
- The national body responsible for protecting public health from infectious diseases and other hazards.
- UN 3291
- The international classification code for clinical and sharps waste, marked on approved sharps bins.
- UN-approved sharps bin
- A sharps container that meets the recognised UN and British Standard safety specifications for clinical waste.