Wednesday targeted those in the line of fire — public works employees and the business community.

These are the ones who have more chances to encounter discarded syringes on a daily basis, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin said today.

In a joint effort with the Halifax County Public Health System, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department held forums on what to do when discarded syringes are found.

Next week the police and health departments are encouraging educators and the general public to attend. “It’s for the benefit of the general public and parents and any local business where you have public restrooms,” Martin said of the forums. “We want to encourage them to come and get an overview of what we’re trying to do.”

The next forum will be August 29 at 6 p.m. and will be held at Kirkwood Adams on Hamilton Street.

It was a discovery by Lieutenant Bruce Norton which prompted the forums after finding a discarded syringe in a convenience store restroom, Martin said. “It was his recognition of the possibility of workers or the general public could run across the syringes and possibly be hurt by them, especially if they didn’t know how to properly handle them or dispose of them. We’re definitely gearing this to community businesses, public works for the fact they’re in the line of fire on a daily basis.”

Right now it’s unlikely sharps containers will be seen in public places, Martin said. “I hope the issue at hand doesn’t come to that point. I don’t think putting containers out would combat the problem for the fact it’s just habit to toss them because they’re feeling the affects of the narcotics. There are some businesses across the state and country which are placing sharps containers in their restrooms.”

There are sharps containers which can be available at local pharmacies that provide medical supplies, said health system Director Bruce Robistow.

While the forum Wednesday targeted businesses and public sector agencies, the best course for private citizens to take when they see syringes is to contact the authorities, Robistow said after the afternoon session.

“We do get calls on syringes and try our best to respond in a timely manner,” Martin said.

(A PDF of handling tips can be viewed at this link)

On the business and public agency level there are certain procedures and protocols that should be followed, said Angela Moody, nursing director for the health department. 

These safeguards include determining employee exposure and implementing exposure control including adopting universal precautions, developing engineering and work practice controls and personal protective equipment.

There needs to be guidelines and procedures in place for post-exposure evaluation and follow-ups as well as communication of hazards to employees and training.

A record-keeping system should be in place as well as knowing OSHA guidelines.

Many companies already have policies in place that deal with exposures, Robistow said today. “If they don’t, it is highly recommended to have policies and procedures regarding what to do in the event of exposures. You need to follow your company’s policies.” 

One of the biggest risks in handling used syringes is the chance for developing hepatitis B, which Moody said is “100 times more infectious than HIV. There is a vaccination to protect you from hepatitis B.”

The forum also covered the dos and don’ts of disposal.

Use a pair of tongs, pliers, tweezers or grabber sticks to pick up the needle.

Wear rubber gloves and point the needle tip down and away from you. Place the needle in a hard plastic container that is several milliliters thick and has a tight lid.

Laundry detergent bottles can be used for this purpose and there are containers made specifically for disposing of sharps.

It is important to not touch the object, try to recap it or bend it and purposely break or remove the needle from the syringe.

The Halifax County Public Utilities Department — 252-583-1451— or the state waste management division — 919-707-8200 — can provide information on proper disposal, Moody said. 

The health department can be reached at 252-583-5021.

“We want to protect ourselves,” she said. “You probably never thought that you would have to worry about needles and needle safety. We need for you to share it with family and friends. It should be part of your daily routine.”