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TASER® Probe Removal Safety Issues
TASER® Probes (also known as TASER® Darts) qualify as a "Sharp" according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) definition of "Sharps".


 * OSHA definition: "Sharps are objects that can penetrate a worker’s skin, such as needles, scalpels, broken glass, capillary tubes and the exposed ends of dental wires. If blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), as defined in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030]), are present or may be present on the sharp, it is a contaminated sharp and appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn."

If an individual is injured while removing a TASER® dart, the incident is called an "exposure incident".


 * OSHA definition: "An exposure incident is a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), as defined in the standard that results from the performance of a worker’s duties."

'''Contaminated TASER® probes are “Contaminated Sharps” and need to be handled in accordance to OSHA guidelines in order to protect all parties involved. Careful handling of contaminated sharps can prevent injury and reduce the risk of a needle stick and blood-borne disease. These steps include using safer medical devices, using sharps containers, and prompt disposal of sharps.'''


 * As stated in the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) standards, sharp objects that are contaminated with blood and tissue are by definition are “Contaminated Sharps” and are required to be handled a certain way.

Contaminated TASER® Probe Removal and the Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogen Diseases
According to OSHA; "A needlestick or a cut from a contaminated sharp can result in a worker being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other bloodborne pathogens". MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is also a bloodborne pathogen that can be passed through a contaminated TASER® darts.

Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders along with other individuals that routinely remove TASER® probes may be at greater risk of Exposure to these Bloodborne Diseases if the probes are not removed safely.

Current Methods of Removal
OSHA does not give clear guidance as to how to remove the probes, the guidelines only state that the removal must be done safely. Current methods of TASER Darts include but are not limited to: Removing the probes by hand, removing the probe with pliers or similar tools, or using the D.A.R.T. Pro® and X-TRACTOR TIP® Removal System made by Global Pathogen Solutions. When handling contaminated sharps OSHA guidelines should always be followed.

Special precautions should be taken and the patient transported to a hospital, if the TASER® probes are located in the eyes, face, neck, groin, hands, bones or any other location where removal on sscene might cause more damage and harm.

Sharps Containers
"Containers for contaminated sharps must be puncture-resistant. The sides and the bottom must be leakproof. They must be appropriately labeled or color-coded red to warn everyone that the contents are hazardous. Containers for disposable sharps must be closable (that is, have a lid, flap, door, or other means of closing the container), and they must be kept upright to keep the sharps and any liquids from spilling out of the container. The containers must be replaced routinely and not be overfilled, which can increase the risk of needlesticks or cuts. Sharps disposal containers that are reusable must not be opened, emptied, or cleaned manually or in any other manner that would expose workers to the risk of sharps injury."

Handling Sharps Containers
"Before sharps disposal containers are removed or replaced, they must be closed to prevent spilling the contents. If there is a chance of leakage from the disposal container, the employer must ensure that it is placed in a secondary container that is closable, appropriately labeled or color-coded red, and constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage during handling, storage, transport, or shipping."

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Requirements
OSHA requirements and the Bloodborne Pathogen Protocals should be followed when removing a TASER® probe.

The removal process may also be addressed in an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) in order to increase TASER® probe removal safety.