One of the most frequent specialist cleaning services we provide at Pocket Rockets Biohazard Cleaning is
needle sweeps and the removal of other drug-related paraphernalia. These situations can arise in various locations, often in public spaces such as parks, alleyways, and abandoned buildings. They also occur in areas that were previously occupied by individuals using drugs but are now being repurposed for other uses, such as council or housing association properties, hostel rooms, or buildings that have been broken into and temporarily used by homeless individuals. While the obvious safety hazards include needle stick injuries and the risk of bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis, there are additional, less apparent dangers that must be considered. One significant risk is the potential return of the individuals responsible for leaving the paraphernalia behind.
Understanding the Risks
During my training, this issue was discussed extensively. Ensuring the safety of ourselves and our colleagues is always the top priority. Risk assessment isn’t just about the cleaning task and methods; it also involves evaluating the environment we’re working in and anticipating potential dangers. It’s surprisingly common for individuals to return to the site we’re cleaning. They might have been moved on but left behind belongings or a "stash," or they might consider the area their home. For example, when tasked with cleaning an abandoned building or a public space frequented by drug users, there’s always the possibility that someone could come back. If they do, there’s no way to predict their reaction—it could range from indifferent to hostile. This scenario has happened to us before. Once, while performing a needle sweep in an alleyway, someone returned looking for their jumper!
Minimising the Risks
Although we can’t eliminate the risks entirely, we take several measures to protect ourselves and minimise potential dangers:
- Working in Pairs We always work in teams of at least two when operating in public spaces or locations where a confrontation might occur. While this doesn’t completely remove the risk, having a second person present provides reassurance and makes it less likely that someone will become aggressive.
- Securing the Location Where possible, we secure the area we’re working in. This might mean locking the door of a property, flat, or hostel room to prevent anyone from wandering in unexpectedly. Of course, this isn’t always feasible in outdoor or derelict locations, but it’s an effective strategy when it can be applied.
- Maintaining Regular Communication Our team always ensures that colleagues not on-site know the exact location of the job and how long we expect to take. We stay in regular contact, so if communication is lost for an extended period or we’re delayed, someone can check on us or raise the alarm if necessary.
Prioritising Safety
No strategy can completely remove the risks associated with needle sweeps, but safety is at the heart of everything we do. We take every precaution to minimise potential dangers, ensuring our team can carry out their work as safely and effectively as possible. Needle sweeps are an essential service in maintaining the safety of our communities, and while the work has its challenges, we remain committed to making public and private spaces clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.
