Clean Up Safety Tips
- Walk and face oncoming traffic wherever possible. Where high speed country roads are involved volunteers should operate 3 metres from the travelled lane.
- Exit and enter vehicles from the side away from traffic.
- Use caution signs, safety vests, gloves, suitable clothing footwear etc (councils can usually assist with flashing lights).
- Avoid parking on grassed areas (vehicle exhausts are a potential fire hazard).
- Never park on a bridge or tunnel.
- Closely supervise any children involved (the 5-20 & 70+ age groups are our most vulnerable on our roads).
- Safety is always our most important concern when working in a roadside environment so please ask all group members to wear safety vests when out working. Your local council may be able to assist with extras if you need them, if not KESAB will deliver additional vests for your clean up day.
What to do if you find used syringes
- Find a rigid-walled puncture-resistant container with a secure lid (KESAB can provide these to groups)
- Bring the container to the needle/syringe
- Place the container on the ground beside the needle/syringe
- Do not hold the container upright in your hands as you are disposing of the needle
- Do not pick up with bare hands, use gloves
- Pick up the syringe using long handled tongs
- Place the needle and syringe in the container sharp end first
- Securely place lid on the container
- Wash hands with running water & soap
- Advise children to inform an adult if they find a needle or syringe
- For further information ring Needle Clean Up Hotline 1300 131 340.
Managing a needle stick injury
- Encourage the wound to bleed
- Wash the area with running water and soap (if available)
- Apply an antiseptic and band aid
- As soon as possible contact your supervisor, local doctor, hospital, sexual health clinic or community health centre for advice on the need for HIV or HBV/HCV testing, counselling and possible hepatitis inoculation.