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Generally, people who inject drugs dispose of their used injecting equipment safely and appropriately. In Western Australia, people who inject drugs can safely dispose of used needles and syringes by:
What to do if you find a needle or syringe in the community?Used needles and syringes are occasionally found in parks and other public places, and this can be a concern for people in the community who find them. If you find a discarded needle and syringe in the community, and none of the options above are possible, used needles and syringes may be disposed of in the domestic waste in a rigid-walled, puncture resistant plastic container with a screw-top lid. The risk of catching HIV or other infections from an injury caused by a discarded needle is very low. However, it is important to follow certain steps when disposing of a needle and syringe:
Tell children never to pick up a needle, but to let an adult know if they find one. If you are representing a company or service that requires disposal of large quantities of needles and syringes, arranging for a waste disposal company to assist with collection and disposal would be recommended. See ‘waste disposal’ in the Yellow Pages (external site). Dispose safely! Do not dispose of loose needles and syringes directly into green waste collection bins, recycling bins, drains or toilets, or post boxes. Download the safe needle disposal poster (PDF 876KB) Where to get helpIf you have queries about finding discarded needles and syringes in your area, please contact your local government environmental health officer (external site). Acknowledgements Public Health This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions. Needles and syringes in the workplace may be contaminated with human blood and body fluid or other infectious material. Exposure to these contaminants through the piercing of skin or contact with already broken skin may pose a health risk for transmission of certain infections. Heads of academic/administrative units or controlled entities and supervisory staff have a particular responsibility for ensuring that all persons who use or may come in contact with needles and syringes are aware of their specific associated hazards and how to minimise the risk of exposure to those persons. This involves communicating local requirements to staff and students under their control and ensuring that appropriate training is provided. The designated Biosafety Officer can provide specific advice on local requirements. The purpose of this information sheet is to provide guidance on the correct use and disposal of needles and syringes and action to be taken following a needlestick injury. This should be used as a starting point to assist with the implementation of appropriate risk control measures for the respective task(s). Risk ManagementBefore you commence a task requiring the use of a syringe, ensure that a risk assessment and safe work instruction has been completed for the task/activity and the required control measures have been implemented. Consideration of the following points may assist in this process:
Safety information to be included in practical manualsCollecting syringes/needles found in the workplace i.e. Cleaning & Security staffSharps information session (provided by Occupational Health Nurse Consultants)Animal work with non-infectious/infectious materialAnimal handling training (provided by Monash Animal Research Platform)Clinical placements with a potential for exposure to contaminated needlesPlacement induction Supervision by qualified practitioners whilst performing taskResearch projects involving the taking of blood (phlebotomy)Accredited phlebotomy course
Correct disposal of syringes
Finding syringes and needles while you are workingIf you find a needle or syringe left lying around in your work area, then:
If you find a needle or syringe in a public area, then:
Needlestick injury management
For further informationFor confidential medical advice, contact the Occupational Health Team Advice on waste disposal can be obtained from your local Biosafety Officer, Safety Officer or the OH&S Consultant/Advisor for your area. What steps must be followed to safely dispose a needle syringe into a sharps container?Sharps containers may be disposed of by returning them to the Depot store where they are placed in a locked wheelie bin for appropriate disposal. Council provides a disposal service for residents with illness/disabilities that requires the regular use of needles.
What are 7 basic procedures for the safe handling of sharps?Do not ask for a sharp item to be taken from you or to be disposed of by someone else. Do not walk unnecessary distances with a sharp in hand. Dispose of sharps in an appropriate sharps container; never in a waste bin or plastic bag. Dispose of sharps immediately after use – not later – to avoid needlestick injuries.
What is the proper method of disposal for the needle safety device?Immediately after you use a sharp, engage any safety feature, and place it in a sharps disposal container that is closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on the sides and bottom, and biohazard-labeled or color-coded.
Do you recap a needle before putting it in a sharps container?OSHA policy is that recapping of needles, in general, is not appropriate. Used needles are to be placed in sharps disposal containers without recapping.
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