If Housing staff discover evidence of illegal drugs when visiting a property, they will report the matter to the police immediately. Housing staff will not handle or remove drugs from the house.
When a house becomes empty and there is a suspicion that needles may be present, housing staff will arrange for trained workmen to carry out a needle sweep. Anyone who is likely to have access to the property should be advised of the danger. Needles and spillage will be removed professionally and safely.
There is a risk of infection from blood spillage or from other bodily fluids. There is also a risk of infection from discarded needles if they puncture the skin. Housing Officers should avoid any contact with spillage's or needles. In the event that an officer does come into contact and is exposed to infection, they will seek medical attention immediately. The incident will be recorded in the accident book. An accident report form will be completed and passed to the Council's Health and Safety Officer, who will carry out an investigation and notify the Health and Safety Executive where appropriate. Employee counselling is available, if required. This can be organised by the employee's manager.
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