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 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:
- Put on gloves
- Place the container on the ground beside the syringe
- Pick up the syringe by the middle of the barrel using tongs or gloved hands, whichever provides the most control
- Place the syringe into the sharps container, sharp end first
- Secure the lid of the sharps container
- Remove gloves and wash your hands
