TENANTS AND LANDLORDS The Safe Collection and Disposal of Drug Related Litter

Sharps discarded in public places present a risk of injury and possibly infection, to tenants,employees ,and visitors but also to the public at large and especially children.

to protect public health, systems are required at a local level to ensure the safe and efficient removal of discarded sharps in the community.

Such systems require a co-ordinated approach to protectthose, involved in the collection of sharps and any members of the public,or tenants, who may be exposed to possible risk of infection.

to ensure the efficient, safe collection and disposal of sharps, drugs and drugs paraphernalia whilst also to serve to reassure tenants,public. Employees and visitors.

Sharps and drugs paraphernalia are likely to be found in a number of circumstances. In any circumstances agencies involved in the uplift and disposal of such items will endeavour to do so within 4 hours of being notified.

The advice on safe handling of sharps applies equally to members of the public ,tenants and staff. A member of the public.or a tenant, reporting finding a sharp in the community should be told: • Do not touch the item • Remain nearby if possible to direct the collection or cover the item to prevent others coming into contact with it. • Someone will uplift the item on the same day as report is made .

Fundamental to this protocol is the safety,All staff responsible for the collection of sharps must be offered hepatitis B immunisation by their employer.

Should a sharps injury be suffered by a member of the public .tenant or staff, the following first-aid measures should be communicated and carried out: • Encourage bleeding of the infected area by squeezing (DO NOT SUCK). • If possible wash the area with soap and water. • If eyes / mouth are involved irrigate with tap water for 1-2 minutes. • Go to the nearest Health Centre or Accident and Emergency Department immediately who will assess risk and provide appropriate treatment. • Inform your G.P.

Police, Council and staff who are most likely to be involved with the reporting, collection and disposal of sharps should undertake a brief training session highlighting the Health & Safety considerations, risk assessment and procedure to be followed. compliance with Health & Safety law. Advice on the content of such a training programme can be obtained from the Health & Safety Executive website.

There is not just one kind of drug paraphernalia, like there is not just one drug. People take different drugs in different ways. 9.3. Drug users tend to use household items as paraphernalia such as: • Spoons - they will be discoloured and have a burnt look if they have been used for this purpose. This may be used for burning heroin. • Safety pins - they will also be discoloured and have a burnt look. Safety pins can be used for burning cannabis. • Tin foil - this may have holes in and have a burnt appearance. • Crisp packets - this will be used when inhaling solvents such as glue. • Pipes - May be used for smoking cannabis or crack cocaine. • Plastic bottles with the bottom cut off - this may be used for smoking cannabis. • Mirror, razor/credit card and straw/rolled paper note- this may be used for cocaine. • Needles and syringes used for injecting intravenous drugs such heroin. 9.4. Sharps should always be removed and deposited in approved sharps bin using forceps with rubber gloves being worn. The following action should be taken following the safe recovery of sharps, drugs and drugs paraphernalia.

RECORDING & REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

In order that a strategic overview of the instances of sharps found in the community can be maintained, it is essential that all sharps recoveries are reported and appropriate records kept.

Social Landlords should report sharps recoveries to their Health & Safety Section/Representative. In turn, they will have responsibility of emailing the Recording Form (Appendix 1) to the Safer Communities Team,

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The Safe Collection & Disposal of Discarded Sharps Found In the Community Recording Form 1. Description of hazard/find (e.g. needle on own, syringe and needle) 2. Number collected 3. Time/Date found 4. Time/Date reported (If different from above) 5. Source of report (e.g. member of public) 6. Location of find 7. Time/Date removed 8. How was collection disposed of and by whom 9. Any additional comments 10. Details of person who dealt with incident Please ensure this form is emailed to Safer Communities Team: