Infectious Diseases
Common Questions

• Take the sharps box to the needle, not the needle to the sharp box (where possible).
• Do not fill above the horizontal line to indicate when the container is ¾ full.
• Label the sharps container with date and site of origin.
• Close sharps container firmly when full or you have finished your work with sharp.
• Before the container is closed, make sure it is placed where people cannot accidentally spill the contents.

I have found some syringes and needles in a BBC car park; what should I do?
You should call Workplace Services who will be able to dispose of them. You should not try to collect them and  yourself to dispose of them.

I have found some needles at the site we are using for location; what should I do?
It is the responsibility of the site owner to collect and dispose of them. This may be a private site owner or a local council or other authority. Remember that if you want to clear them risk assess and have an approved contractor to supply containers and dispose of the containers.

You may need to provide any of the following;

• Tools for picking up needles e.g. pincer tools/tongs/ litter picker/ tweezers/ dustpan and hand brush.
• Sharps containers.
• Gloves - Gloves should be selected to give a high degree of puncture resistance. (EN388: 1994 Protective gloves against mechanical risks). You can get these from Safety Equipment Stores (when you show them your risk assessment) or from your own local equipment store. It is always better if the site owner collects and disposes of any sharps though.

Make sure that the area is cordoned off until the sharps are collected to prevent accidents.

I have stabbed myself with a needle at work; what do I do?

If it is a needle or blade that only you have been using, apply pressure if bleeding heavily, seek help from your local first aider or dial ext. 666.

If you have had a skin puncture from a needle or blade that you have found:

• Encourage the wound to bleed. Do not suck the wound. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Do not scrub.
• Contact BBC HR Direct.  Otherwise in the UK go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or contact Axa PPP if overseas. This is so that if you are assessed to have a high risk injury you can get appropriate treatment and advice.
• Complete an Accident Form or input via myRisks - Tasks.
• Ask your manager to make an appointment with Occupational Health so that your local occupational health specialist can follow you up as soon as possible.

What are my risks if I stab myself with a needle or blade?
Your risks will depend on whether the needle/blade is one that you  know is uncontaminated by blood, or whether  the needle/blade may be contaminated by blood.

Risks include:

• Injury, i.e. lacerations
• There may also be a risk of tetanus.

Also, if you the needle or blade may be contaminated by blood:

• Blood borne diseases (e.g. Hepatitis and HIV).

Prompt treatment by qualified medical staff may help prevent you getting some diseases, e.g. Hepatitis B or HIV. Hepatitis C cannot be prevented but the effects of the disease may be lessened by getting specialised treatment early on. So it is important that you get good advice and follow up. (See FAQ 'I have stabbed myself with a needle at work; what do I do?' above.)

• Avoid contact with live poultry and wild birds.
• Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms.
• Avoid contact with surfaces or water contaminated with animal faeces.
• Do not eat or handle poultry, egg, or duck dishes which are undercooked or raw.
• Exercise good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing.
• Do not attempt to bring any poultry products back to the UK.

• Check myRisks web site for up-to-date health advice.
• Contact the High Risk Team.
• Contact your local travel clinic (0800 082 8080) for relevant immunisations, malaria prophylaxis and other preventive measures.
• Speak to an occupational health doctor (0800 082 8080) for influenza specific medical interventions (e.g. the need for anti-virals if travelling to a remote area with limited access to medical care).
• Complete a Risk assessment.
• Ensure you have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is obtainable from safety equipment stores.

• Adhere to advice from local public health officials or police and stick to any imposed quarantines.
• Wear relevant PPE.
• Avoid birds (and other affected animals), and surfaces, areas, or water that may be contaminated by bird (or other animal) secretions.
• Maintain good basic hygiene. Use soap and water, or waterless alcohol based hand rubs when soap is not available and hands are not visibly soiled.

• Drink, eat or smoke in the area.
• Remove your PPE until you are outside any contaminated area.
• Place your equipment (e.g. cameras, bags etc.) directly on the ground or other contaminated surface
• Pick up any potentially contaminated material (feathers etc.)

• move to the edge of the hazard area.
• do not remove PPE at this time. Before leaving the contaminated area ensure that all personnel are not carrying any obvious dirt or dust on boots/clothing/equipment.

• draw a line on the ground (clean/dirty line).
• any equipment which has been in the contaminated area must be wiped down with Dettox (or other recommended disinfectant) and dirty swabs and placed into plastic bags provided.

• remove suit first
• remove boots
• remove 1st layer of gloves; keep the oral nasal mask on.
• once the used PPE has been put in the plastic bag you may remove the oral nasal mask.
• remove 2nd layer of gloves
• wash hands Disposable PPE should be properly discarded, and non-disposable PPE should be cleaned and disinfected as specified in government, industry, or local outbreak-response guidelines. If the country has no guidelines use a black plastic bag to dispose of PPE. Hand hygiene measures should be performed after removal and disposal of PPE (see hand-washing).

• If you become ill with fever and develop a cough or have difficulty breathing or if you develop any illness during this 10-day period, or if you have had a close inadvertent exposure (e.g. within 1 metre of live or dead domestic fowl or wild bird) consult your local health-care provider or occupational health by telephone.
• Do not self treat with anti-viral drugs without medical advice.
• Limit contact with others as much as possible as this can help prevent the spread of an infectious illness.
• If on board an aircraft inform the cabin staff as soon as possible.
• Ensure your manager is informed.

• your symptoms,
• where you travelled, and
• if you have had direct contact with an infected individual or animal

• 2 x 3M (9332) oral nasal masks
• 2 x Tyvek paper suits
• 4 x pairs of surgical gloves
• 2 x Disposable boots
• 1 x Eye protection
• 1 x Antibacterial Hand cleanser
• 1 x Dettox Liquid /Antiseptic wipes
• 2 x Plastic bags