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Posted By Robert.
On a site reently our guys, during their routine morning maintenance had found several needles from hypodermics placed on and around their plant. It did'nt appear to be a malicious act. They did not want to clear up or touch and they had no means for disposal. The local authority in the North West was called and they, thankfully, cleared up.
Now our managers are advocating that even if one needle is found on site, then the LA should be called. This would create alot of downtime, as the LA involved could not provide an immediate action. My response was that we should routinely clear the immediate work area then if any "sharps" are found then they could, reasonably, be swept to a non-active area and positively identified while alerting all on site, and the client.
Would it then be the clients' responsibility?
I don't know if all LAs would provide a collection and disposal service.
Any thoughts?
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Posted By Darren J Fraser
First question I would consider is - access to the site after hours or is this an internal problem. If access to the site is found wanting, get the site managers to solve that. If an internal problem, offer confidential councilling etc unless you want to proceed straight to disciplinary action.
Second question would be -whom can we contact to give us advice on this problem and how to deal with it.
Third question what else can the mnanagers do to eliminate this hazard as well as all the others.
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Posted By Raymond Rapp
Robert, there are set procedures for dealing with Sharps. Those who are tasked with the job must be wearing the correct PPE, have the correct equipment to collect any sharps and the correct method of disposing them. At no time should you ever consider collecting needles without the latter controls in place. The process is not 'rocket science' but care must be taken because of the obvious risks i.e. HIV.
An arrangement can be made with the Local Environmental Health Department to collect sharps.
Regards
Ray
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Posted By Robert.
Darren, it was an out of hours problem, not a recurring one, and an open site with public access therefore elimination was impossible. I'm looking at the vigilant awareness approach.
Raymond I agree with your statement. Do you suggest then, that at project set up we could establish whether a local LA provides such a service?
Regards
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Posted By jackw.
Hi you can buy disposal kits for dealing with discarded needles. I think rentokil supply these they will also uplift the discarded needle container. Make sure you get a deal that you contact them when the box is full. Otherwise you could be paying for monthly uplifts that you don't really need.
You will also have to put together a simple procedure for staff using the kit.
Hope this helps.
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Posted By Chris Packham
You might try contacting a person called Malcolm Roberts. He has developed special packs and training courses for people who might encounter needles. I have been on one of his courses and would recommend them.
His phone number is 01778 426 841
Chris
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Posted By Robert.
Thank you
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Posted By Les Welling
And you may consider leting the Police know that you are finding needles too. They may be able to solve the problem, although probably only in the short term, for you!
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