What is the Risk?

"There has never been a reported case of transmission of HIV via a community found syringe accidental needle stick." – Journal of Public Health, 2013

"The risk of Hepatitis B and C transmission from a CFSANS is “practically negligible.”" – British Medical Journal, 2015

“Needlestick injuries in non-healthcare settings are uncommon and the risk from any needlestick resulting in chronic disease is very small.” – Commission on Health and Safety and Workers Compensation, 2015

 

What do i do if i find a syringe?

 

Do not:

  • Force needles or sharps into a container

  • put fingers inside the container

  • bend, break, recap or remove the needle, or leave the needle unattended; if you must leave to get disposal supplies, ask another person to keep watch to avoid an accidental stick

Instead:

  • Stay Calm

  • Make sure that you can clearly see and move around the needle

  • Bring your sharps container or alternative to the needle, not the other way around

 
 

Take Action:

  1. Put on gloves

  2. Place the container on the ground beside the syringe

  3. Pick up the syringe by the middle of the barrel using tongs or gloved hands, whichever provides the most control

  4. Place the syringe into the sharps container, sharp end first

  5. Secure the lid of the sharps container

  6. Remove gloves and wash your hands


 

AS A LAST RESORT, you can dispose of the used syringes/sharps in a heavy duty plastic bottle such as a laundry detergent bottle and tape the lid shut (do not use coffee cans – they are not puncture resistant). On the outside of the bottle, where it can be easily seen, write “WARNING: SYRINGES – DO NOT RECYCLE” on the outside and then place in the household trash.