Syringe Disposals and Injuries

Policy

This policy sets out the requirements for schools to safely manage used/discarded needles and needle stick injuries.

Summary

School staff must:

• be familiar with the disposal procedures for used needles set out below
• actively discourage students from picking up needles or syringes.

Details

School staff must:

• be aware of the Department’s needle disposal procedures and follow these procedures when disposing of needles in school grounds
• actively discourage students from picking up needles or syringes.

Schools must have a Sharps/Biohazard container for contaminated waste for discarded needles, stored out of reach of staff, students and visitors. If an approved disposal container is not available a hard-wall container must be used. Do not use glass bottles.

Equipment required

• Single use gloves
• Tongs
• Plastic bags
• Approved disposal container

Needle disposal procedure

The below steps describe how schools dispose of needles and syringes.

Step 1

If the discarded syringe or needle is:

• accessible, continue with this disposal procedure
• not accessible:
  • mark the area so that others are not at risk
  • supervise area
  • contact the syringe disposal helpline on 1800 552 355.

Step 2

Put on single use gloves.

Step 3

Place the disposal container on the ground next to the syringe.

Step 4

Using tongs, pick up the syringe from the middle keeping the sharp end away from yourself and place it in the disposal container, needle point down.

Note:

• Never try to recap a needle, even if the cap is also discarded
• Long metal tongs can be used to reach difficult to access places

Step 5

Repeat step 4 for each individual needle or syringe.

Step 6

Screw the lid of the disposal unit on firmly.

Step 7

Remove gloves and place them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and dispose of it in a rubbish bin.

Step 8

Wash hands in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Step 9

To dispose of the sharps disposal container, contact the:

• syringe disposal helpline on 1800 552 355. They can also provide advice and information about:
  • handling syringes
  • the location of the nearest local council syringe program or public disposal bin
• local general practitioners
• local hospitals.

Note: Disposal containers or syringes must not be put in normal waste disposal.

Treating needle stick injuries

The below steps describe how schools treat needle stick injuries.

Step 1

Flush the injured area with flowing water.

Step 2

Wash the affected part with warm, soapy water, then pat dry.

Step 3

Cover the wound with waterproof dressing.

Step 4

Report the injury to the principal and on eduSafe Plus (staff login required) or CASES21

Step 5

Ensure the injured person sees a doctor as soon as possible for assessment of the risk treatment, if required.

An adult should accompany the student to the nearest doctor/medical centre.

Note: The risk of disease transmission is low.

For further information, visit Better Health Channel – Needlestick injury

Related policies

• Duty of Care
• First Aid for Students and Staff
• Infectious Diseases

Relevant legislation

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
• WorkSafe Victoria First Aid in the Workplace — Compliance Code 2008