Sharps
Guidance for the Safe Disposal of Needles & Syringes
Found in Public Places
The dangerous habit of people discarding hypodermic needles and
syringes in public places continues to cause concern because of the
risk of injury to the finder.
By following these few simple guidelines you can minimise the
risk of injury:
Report the find to the Street Scene Team
To arrange collection
telephone 01827 709 709 (office hours)
telephone 01827 59708 (out of normal office hours)
If you are concerned about the imminent danger to people and
want to remove this danger by collecting the needles or syringes,
then you must take precautions:
- Do not handle with your bare hands
- Sweep them up with a dustpan and brush or something
similar
- Place them in a coffee jar or tin, or strong plastic box with
lid. Keep them in a safe place out of children's reach to await
collection
First Aid
If you accidentally touch discarded needles or syringes take the
following actions:
Low Risk (No Puncture to Skin)
- If there is no puncture to the skin then take normal hygiene
precautions by washing your hands in cold running water with plenty
of soap
- If you are still concerned or would like further advice the
contact your Doctor, Staffordshire Drugs & Alcohol Advisory
Service or the Accident & Emergency Department of your local
hospital
High Risk (When the Skin is Punctured)
- Encourage bleeding, eg - by gently squeezing
- DO NOT SUCK WOUND
- Wash the area with cold running water (no soap) for at least 5
minutes and cover with a dry dressing
- IMMEDIATELY visit your Doctor or Accident & Emergency
Department of your local hospital where you should enquire about
any relevant immunisation
Useful Contacts:
- Street Scene
01827 709 709
01827 709 59708 (out of office hours)
- Staffordshire Drugs & Alcohol Advisory Service
01283 5121080
- Good Hope Hospital
Accident & Emergency Dept
0121 378 6045