W. Va. Code R. § 64-82-6 - List of Needleless Systems and Needles with Engineered Injury Protections

6.1. The division of health shall maintain a list of existing needleless systems and needle and sharps with engineered injury protection. The director shall make the list available to assist employers in complying with the requirements of the standards adopted under W. Va. Code '16-36-1 et seq. and this rule. The division of health shall review and update the list annually.

6.2. The list may be developed from existing sources of information, including but not limited to, the federal Food and Drug Administration, the federal Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and product usage experience of hospitals.

6.3. Characteristics of needles and sharps with engineered injury protection shall include but not be limited to:

6.3.a. Devices that provide a barrier between the hands and the sharp after use;

6.3.b. Devices that allow or require the health care employees= hands to remain behind the sharp at all times;

6.3.c. An engineering control mechanism that is an integral part of the device and does not need to be added for use;

6.3.d. Devices that are simple and self evident to operate and require little or no training for effective use;

6.3.e. An engineering control mechanism that either requires no activation by the user, or has a safety feature can be engaged with a single-handed technique and allows the worker=s hands to remain behind the exposed sharp;

6.3.f. A device that enables the user to easily tell whether the safety feature is activated;

6.3.g. Devices that perform reliably;

6.3.h. Devices that are easy to use and practical;

6.3.i. Devices that are safe and effective for patient care; and

6.3.j. An engineering control mechanism that is integrated with the sharp after use and remains in effect after disposal to protect health care employees.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 64-82-6