Posted By jackie I have a H&S issue regarding use of public toilets for drug use. What sort of control measures could i put in place to deter drug users from abusing the facility. Obviously couldn't install CCTV. Don't want to lock the toilets and keep a key on reception as this places the burden on staff - also chances are the key will go missing, further keys can be cut and the cost of replacing the lock everytime is not viable. What about displaying signs in the toilets? If so what would the wording be.. these toilets are being monitored? Your views are greatly appreciated!

Posted By Bob Shillabeer May I suggest this is not simply a H&S issue but one that has much greater problems. Get your HR people to assist and look at who is involved (if you know them) and deal with the bigger problem of drug abuse. There is one area which I think you are coming from of how do you protect staff who are at risk of accidental injury from needles etc. Try and introduce regular inspections and provide the necessary disposal equipment and processes, check you have a suitable Drugs & Alcohol policy in place and implement it.

Posted By Tabs Oops, my post crossed with 9-Ship's (and he/she can spell vein better than me).

Posted By Konstanty Budkiewicz Jackie, You are rather vague about the work environment concerned, and the associated hazards that you are trying to address. I feel that we may be ill equipped to answer on this matter, due to lack of direct experience in the "work" environment. I have therefore on your behalf invited specialist advice from the drug abuse web site FRANK: link - http://www.talktofrank.com/home_html.aspx (we may get a response in 24 hrs). You may wish to contact them directly if your need is urgent. Regards Kon CMOISH

Posted By jackie Thank you for your response thus far. Sorry i was rather vague in my initial post. The situation is this: Public toilets in a health centre are currently being used for drug use. No needles or syringes have been found to date only tin foil, cigarette ends, and burn marks to one of the surfaces in one of the toilet cubicles. This was found by one of the cleaners, and it has come to my attention this has been happening frequently (not a one off incident). There is no security presence at all in the centre, inc CCTV (staff rely on their Conflict Resolution Training to resolve general security issues). Staffing is a problem at the centre therefore staff cannot be relied on to inspect the toilets regularly or hold keys to the toilets (as mentioned previously, this could create a whole new security issue with keys going missing etc...). There is no policy in place either - welcome to the NHS! As a temporary measure i've asked the Centre Manager to close the toilets until measures can be put in place. Hence why i'm asking the question about displaying suitable signage in the cubicle as a deterrant - or any other measures? The view is to reopen the toilets and monitor the situation. So in a nutshell there is a risk to staff & visitors. Equally, there is a fire risk (of which there are no smoke detectors in the toilets). Hope this sets the scene?

Posted By Mitch My suggestion to treat the cistern was to use something similar to that used in town centre pub toilets i.e. a "sticky" coating, not as dramatic as WD40, that made me chuckle I wish I had seen that!

Posted By Homer 9-ship you have just cleared up a point which I could never quite get my head round. Went into public toilets in a local supermarket and couldn't figure out why they had a blue florescent light. Sign of the times, very sad.

Posted By John D Crosby Hi The use of blue lights does not stop people injecting - in fact it actually helps show up veins better. The use of UV lighting does stop the veins being shown up and hence is effective as stated by a previous correspondent. There is a smoke detector available on the market that when activated can either deliver a local message that you have been smoking or can call for security. I have never used them myself but some colleagues have found them effective in reducing smoking in toilet cubicles. John C