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 Home Hazards
Sharps Disposal
Sharps must be disposed of safely at all times.
There is a clearly foreseeable risk that used syringes may be left or hidden in areas such as public toilets in stores. According to colleagues in a public sector trade union over 20,000 used needles were found in parks, public toilets and other public areas in 2002 and over 200 people have suffered stabbing injuries while handling discarded needles in the last three years. The most serious risk is of catching a blood borne infection if there is a puncture injury. Hepatitis B is the commonest infection risk but there may also be a chance of exposure to Hepatitis C or to HIV. Retail employers should carry out a risk assessment that lays out the procedures that should be followed to provide protection against the risk.
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Guide to sharps disposal (doc File)
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