Page 1717 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Bulletin No 650

13 December 2018

Hypodermic Needles

We have recently had a report of a hypodermic needle being found by an employee installing a new
sign base at a site in Lancashire. The needle was in the sand under block paving. The employee
decided to remove the needle themselves and wrapped it in cloth and placed in the site skip. This is
NOT an acceptable method of disposal of sharps.

It is highly recommended that you never touch a hypodermic needle you find. Contact the site manager
or local council (https://www.gov.uk/report-syringes) to arrange collection and correct disposal.

Xmo Strata’s policy is you should never touch them yourself.

If you have to remove it yourself, Shell sites have dedicated sharps boxes that you can use to place the
needle in. If the site does not have a suitable box, find a hard plastic container with a screw top, take
the container to the needle. Whilst wearing gloves carefully pick up the needle by the barrel and place it
point first into the container. Do not attempt to put a cap or cork on the needle. Seal the container and
contact the office for local authority disposal locations.

If you are injured by a needle (punctured or scratched), you should take immediate steps to ensure
nobody else is at risk, then:
• encourage the wound to bleed, ideally by holding it under running water
• wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap
• do not scrub the wound while you're washing it
• do not suck the wound
• dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing
• seek urgent medical advice, as you are likely to need treatment for infection

If the needle is used, which is likely if it is found on a site, then it is possible it is contaminated with
hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. It is important that you report even minor injuries as you will need
blood tests, antibiotics and vaccinations to ensure you do not develop life-altering infections.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!