Tagging GunsBe Careful How You Share

2

Tagging Gun Safety

Injuries from the needle (needle sticks) are common with retail workers who use tagging guns.

Therefore when tagging guns are shared, workers may be exposed to pathogens (disease causing agents such as viruses or bacteria) that are spread though blood (blood borne infections).

Clothing and furniture retailers use tagging guns everyday and for the most part they are safe and a reliable tool.

Tagging guns have a hollow needle to penetrate the fabric, tag and to deliver a plastic thread fastener, which attaches the price tag to the retail item.

Retail Association Services, Inc.

3

Blood borne infections are caused by pathogens that are spread through contact with an infected persons blood. Blood borne infections include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although all these infections are serious, treatment is available if testing shows that you are infected. What is important though is to prevent any infections in the first place.

Retail Association Services, Inc.

That is what we hope to do with this training today,prevent infections from happening.

4

Here is a short video on tagging guns…

Retail Association Services, Inc.

Video is Courtesy of WFHA Instruction Video Series

How to Use a Tagging Gun

5

Some tagging gun guidelinesAvoid sharing tagging guns with coworkers. If a tagging gun must be shared, you should: Never lend a tagging gun to a coworker with a needle loaded. Always make sure the prior user removes the used needle if

a tagging gun is borrowed. Don’t borrow tagging guns – use your own. If you are using a non designated tagging gun, you are to

insert YOUR new needle before use and remove YOUR needle after use.

Report all tagging gun injuries to supervisor immediately

Retail Association Services, Inc.

6

More guidelines… Take your time and focus on the work you are doing. Most employees state that needle sticks occur more

frequently when they are rushing or multi-tasking. Rushing does not save any time if you get yourself injured in

the process. The time saved is taken up if paperwork needs to be filled out

because you injured yourself. Be safe in doing your job. Never use a gun that has a needle in place, consider it

contaminated and remove the needle with caution and properly dispose of the needle.

Retail Association Services, Inc.

7

The answer to the problem of possible contamination and infection…

Retail Association Services, Inc.

Thank you for your time and if you have additional questions please contact us at Retail Association Services;

360.943.9198 ext18 orsafety@retailassociationservices.com

Copyright Retail Association Services, Inc. 8

9Retail Association Services, Inc.