Injuries from Scratches, Bites, Cuts and Punctures

Bats (both mega and micro)

Bats and flying foxes may carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus, therefore only members who are currently authorised to rescue and rehabilitate bats (required to hold up-to-date WIRES flying-fox/bat training and are vaccinated against the virus at the required titre levels) are able to handle these animals.

Scratches and Bites

In the event that skin penetration occurs, first aid in the form of thorough washing of the wound with antibacterial soap and water and/or application of an appropriate skin antiseptic should be administered immediately. Medical advice should be sought.

Correct use and disposal of sharps

Sharps can be defined as items, which have sharp points or cutting edges capable of causing injury to, or piercing human skin, when handled. Hypodermic needles, Pasteur pipettes, scalpel blades, plastic items with torn or serrated edges and broken glass all fit this definition.

All sharps have the potential to cause injury through cuts or puncture wounds. In addition, many sharps are contaminated with blood or body fluids and microbiological agents posing a risk of infection or illness if they penetrate the skin.

It is therefore essential to follow safe procedures when using and disposing of sharps in order to protect yourself and others from injuries.

Sharps are a major cause of incidents involving potential exposure to blood borne diseases. When handling blood and bodily fluids the use of sharps should be eliminated or minimized wherever possible and disposable gloves worn at all times.

Follow these procedures:

• To prevent needle stick injury, needles must not be re-sheathed nor bent or broken by hand.
• All used sharps should be disposed of into a clearly labelled and appropriate sharps container, as soon as possible after use.
• Sharps containers must be puncture resistant and leak proof, have a lid or top that can be securely closed and carry a “biohazard” label. Specific sharps containers can be purchased from pharmacies and some hospitals and veterinary clinics.
• These containers should be replaced when they are only three-quarters full, to prevent the risk of injury when adding sharps, containers may be returned for disposal at your local hospital or you can find your local disposal centre at safesharps.org.au