SHARPS

NEEDLE PICKUP

DERELICT PROPERTIES

Sharps and needles can carry a multitude of dangers with them and could possibly transmit dangerous viruses, bloodborne pathogens and viruses such as HIV, Hep B and Hep C to name a few.

A sharp could be a hypodermic syringe for taking illegal drugs, a lancet used for diabetes testing, hollow needles for medication injection under the skin, used razor blades, auto injectors, infusion sets, connection sets for fluid transfer or even broken glass.

Anything that is sharp enough to cut or penetrate the skin and that could possibly be infected is a danger and needs to be handled with care.

Abandoned houses, derelict properties, squats and squalor are common places to find sharps mixed amongst the rubbish, bedding, clothes and tucked down the side of furniture cushions.

Aust Decon Specialised Cleaning have trained technicians who attend your property (public, private or commercial) and conduct a thorough sweep of grounds and structures to remove and dispose of needles, sharps, drug paraphernalia and broken glass.

>> You can call us 24/7 to quote and attend clearance of a hazardous situation.

If you find a syringe in a local park contact your council to arrange for a ranger to attend.

HOW TO DISPOSE OF SHARPS

If you find a single needle in a place where it could be considered a risk it should be placed in a sealed sharps container and disposed of. Do not place loose sharps in household or public rubbish bins or recycling bins.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIND A SHARP:

If a needle is not capped, do not attempt to cap it.
Find a hard plastic container with a sealable lid (such as an old washing liquid bottle).
Place the container on a stable surface (do not hold it).
With a gloved hand pick the needle up by the “blunt” end and place it sharp edge first into the plastic container.
Cap the plastic container and clearly mark as dangerous waste.
Check with local authorities where to best dispose of this container.