Needles & Syringes

We will collect and safely dispose of syringes/needles - please telephone 0161 342 8355 or use the on-line form.

Exchange scheme, the Astley St Project, 133 Astley Street, Dukinfield, 0161 344 5365.

Dealing with Discarded Sharps

If any discarded needles, syringes or any other contaminated sharps are found, the manager on duty must be informed immediately.

The following procedure is only applicable to removing sharps on the premises. Discarded contaminated sharps found external to the premises (e.g. footpath) should be reported immediately to the local Environmental Health Department. Do not attempt to touch or remove the sharps.

1. Only appropriately trained staff that that understand this procedure should deal with these incidents. 
2. Customers and all other staff must be warned not to touch or attempt to move such items and should stay well clear from the affected area.
3. Any cuts or abrasions on the skin must be covered with waterproof and breathable dressing.
4. When dealing with these incidents, appropriate protective disposable gloves, apron and goggles should be worn.
5. The sharps should only be removed with tweezers to a sharps container. The area should then be wiped with an appropriate disinfectant or a solution of bleach.
6. Ensure that the manufacturers’ guidelines are followed when using disinfectant or bleach. Also ensure that the area is well ventilated whilst doing this. It may also be necessary to test the products on a small area of surface to ensure that the floor or work surface is not damaged in any way.
7. Once the area has been adequately cleaned, any swabs or wipes used should be treated as contaminated clinical waste, and disposed of into the sharps container.
8. Personal protective equipment should only be removed at the end of the procedure and must also be disposed of as contaminated clinical waste into the sharps container.
9. After removal of all personal protective equipment the hands should be thoroughly washed with bactericidal soap and water.
10. Finally the incident should be appropriately recorded within the Record Book.

Needle Stick Injury Emergency Escalation Procedure

Although safety policies and procedures on the use of sharps are continually being monitored and improved, the risk of a needle stick injury can never be completely eliminated. In the rare event that that such an incident occurs, the following emergency escalation procedure should be followed:

Blood-borne infection is the main area of risk. It is estimated that a needle stick injury creates a 1 in 3 chance of hepatitis B infection, a 1 in 30 chance of acquiring hepatitis C and a 1 in 300 chance of acquiring HIV. Vaccination against hepatitis B and strict adherence to a standard operating procedure will minimise the risks. There are as yet no vaccines for hepatitis C or HIV.

The risk of having a needle stick injury or coming into contact with contaminated and/or clinical waste is very small if your staff are properly trained to deal with discarded sharps and body fluid spillage.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Refuse Collection Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL  View local map
0161 342 8355
0161 342 2398
0161 342 2283