SHARP OBJECTS DISPOSAL Issue, Risks, Safe Disposal Options

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Department of Technical Services and Environmental Health Officer would like to remind the community of proper ways to dispose of sharp objects.

Issue:

Discarded Sharps such as broken glass, scalpels, needles, razor blades and syringes are a cause of SKIN PENETRATION INJURIES, which can expose workers and others to blood-borne viruses such Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other infections such as Tetanus.

Risks:

Used sharps left loose can:

· Hurt sanitation workers during collection rounds

· Hurt household members, neighborhood children, adults and even pets

· Become a risk of painful stick, the risk of contracting a life-altering disease, such as HIV/AIDS, or Hepatitis B or C

· Cause post-injury testing, disease prevention measures, and counseling even if no infection or disease was spread

· Result in some diseases which take a long time to appear on test results leading to months of testing and apprehension

Safe Disposal Options:

A laundry detergent bottle is the best common household product to use for do-it-yourself sharps disposal.

a) It should have a screw-on lid

b) Clearly label the container “Sharps/biohazards”

c) Add sharps to the container until it is two-thirds full, then screw on the lid tightly and seal with heavy duty tape, such as duct tape.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR SHARP DISPOSAL:

Do’s

a) Put sharps in a sharp container as soon as it is used.

b) Keep away from children.

c) Ask pharmacies or a health department about the safe disposal options available to the community.

d) If you are injured by a discarded sharp, encourage the wound to bleed. Do not suck the wound. If possible, wash the area with soap and water and note the name of the needle user, if known.

Note: Remember that early treatment can prevent infections.

Don’ts

a) Don’t put sharps in trash or dust bin.

b) Don’t flush used sharps down the toilet or drop them into a storm drain.

c) Never ever recycle used sharps.

d) Don’t put used sharps in soda cans, milk cartons, glass bottles or coffee cans.

e) Don’t hide it.

f) Don’t separate needle from the syringe.

g) Don’t put the cap back on the needle.

h) Don’t play with the needle or syringe.

i) Don’t ignore it, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If needles are found on the street or in the parks, call the emergency services or health department for the safe disposal/retrieval of the discarded needles.

Advice for the Garbage Collectors:

If accidently stuck by another person’s needle or other sharp:

a) Wash the exposed area right away with water and soap or use a disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer

b) Seek immediate medical attention by calling your physician or local hospital

c) Always be appropriately clothed and wear personal protective equipment including gloves, gowns, safety glasses and protective footwear..

d) If used sharps are spilled from a sharp container, the following procedure should be followed:

I. Wear protective clothing

II. Gather up spilled sharps using a dustpan and brush and put them into a sharp container

III. Dispose of protective clothing

IV. Wash hands

Please contact Naeem Irshad, the Environmental Health Officer- MCA for further advice if required at 613-575-2341 Ext.3226.