Many organizations want to be prepared should they have to clean up after needle/syringe or when other paraphernalia is found. Here is a list of some basic supplies to have available to keep your employees, volunteers and clients safer.

Some recommended items…
- Sharps container: either a biohazard container or a puncture-proof container and lid (e.g. peanut butter jaw with heavy plastic lid)
- Disposable gloves (non-latex are best, as some people are allergic to latex)
- Tongs
- Alcohol- based hand sanitizer (non-antibacterial is best)
- Small bags for garbage
- Wipes (e.g. paper towel or flushable pre-moistened wipes)
- Spray cleaner
- Needle clean up procedure and/or your agency’s policy, including who to call in case of emergency
- Small flashlight (e.g. for looking into garbage cans or poorly lighted areas)
- Marker (for labeling your container as “Sharps”, if needed)
- Scissors (for opening any tied- up bags, etc.)
- Universal precautions pamphlet and/or guidelines re: blood/body fluid clean up
- Optional: basic information about HIV, Hepatitis, what to do if you get a needle stick, etc.

Remember!
Put all of these supplies in a clearly labeled container and store in a place accessible to all staff. Remember about those after- hours staff or areas with restricted access!

Needle Clean Up and Disposal Guidelines

Double- check your equipment

Make sure you have at least a:

- Sharps container either a biohazard container or a puncture-proof container (e.g. coffee can or peanut butter jar; avoid glass as it may break)
- Set of tongs
- Pair of gloves (disposable are best)

Do not attempt to dispose of any syringes, needles, or paraphernalia without the proper equipment.

Clean up procedure
- Make sure the area is safe for YOU.
- Open your needle clean-up kit and get your equipment ready.
- Put on gloves – disposable are best.
- Open the sharps container very carefully and place on a sturdy, flat surface.
- Using tongs, pick up the syringe pointing away from the body, and place in sharps container one at a time.
- If there are syringes without needles attached, scan area for discarded needle.
- Very gently shake sharps container to help items settle to the bottom.
- Carefully close sharps container. If the lid is not puncture-proof, reinforce it with duct tape.
- If using a container other than a biohazard container, clearly label it.
- If needed, use Universal Precautions to clean up any blood or body fluids (guidelines available from CAANS).
- Remove gloves; take them off so they end up inside out.
- Discard all trash in a sealed/tied plastic bag.
- Use hand sanitizer as soon as you are done and then wash your hands as soon as you can get to a sink.

When you are finished
- Clean tongs - including handles – with bleach cleaner (9 parts water: 1 part bleach).
- Replace the sharps container as needed. Make sure there is enough room in the sharps container for the next person to use.
- Leave the kit ready for the next person!

Reducing risk for a needle stick
- Do not attempt to re-cap a needle.
- Bring your equipment to the area. Do not carry the needle/syringe out of the area for disposal.
- Do not reach with your hand into any “blind” areas (e.g. pile of discarded clothing, garbage cans.) Use a flashlight to inspect badly lit areas, and tongs to sift through any piles.
- Never reach into a sharps container!
- Treat all needles and paraphernalia as infectious.
- Do not attempt to overfill a sharps container! Get a new one if needed.

In case of a needle stick injury
- Allow the area to bleed.
- Wash the area immediately with soap and water.
- Contact your Family Physician or go to your local Emergency Department as soon as possible.
- Report this incident to your supervisor as soon as possible.

Please contact us:
- To schedule an in-service about safer needle clean up for you staff
- For a copy of our Needle Clean- Up and Disposal Kit Guidelines
- If you have any questions