Rank: Forum user 
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I am currently examining our guidance for our employees who come across discarded hypodermic needles in their field work. Our operatives are clearing debris and blockages from watercourses that pose a flood risk and occasionally they will come across the odd needle. We used to have a local sharps hotline where the local authority would offer advice and even come out to remove them but with cut backs, etc it varies across the country if the council has this in place or not. Obviously we have own procedures for when we come across discarded needles but I wondered if anybody in their field of work facing similar hazards is familiar with any systems in place they could share please.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I have a close friend who use to run regular courses on safe handling of needles. He has now passed this on to someone else on his retirement. I will check with him for you and see what the situation is. I suggest you PM me your e-mail as I may need to attach documentation when I contact you.
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi John, ditto, PM me your email and I'll send you info.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hello John
I'm not sure the risk from the odd needle warrants a training course. Clear instructions on how to pick up the needle and a secure container (clear plastic bottle with a cap?) to put it in should do. Then they are placed in a sharps bin back at the depot.
More importantly, guidance on what actions to take in the event of a needle stick when they miss one.
A short toolbox talk should do it. These are not medical workers.
Ian
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Sharps bin should be on site!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Agreed - take the sharps bin to the needle
SBH
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Rank: Super forum user 
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We used to have a small sharps bin and litter picker type device therefore avoiding direct contact.
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Rank: Super forum user
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A colleague, who was ex-EH, told me he hated 'remote' collectors for single syringes found randomly, needing to be collected and safely binned. There was too little control, and a risk of flicking or dropping the syringe to goodness knows where.
He preferred, if the environment was otherwise safe, to bring sharps bin (or other interim container) to the spot, and then pick & place the syringe with his fingers, which could do a far more delicate and precision job of keeping the pointy end under control. Yes of course he washed his hands . . .
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Rank: Forum user 
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I've got a tool box talk on needle exposure if that helps?
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