Roadside waste can be an unsightly problem, especially in the case of fly tipping. We’ve talked in our blog before about just how serious this can be, and how we’re on hand with our fly tipping clearance service. But sometimes it’s much smaller items that may have the biggest impact on the health and safety of road users and pedestrians. Discarded syringes and sharps can be a severe biohazard risk alongside major roads or in layby areas. In this blog, we’re focusing in on roadside sharps removal.
Miles and miles of roadsides to keep clean
The UK has a gigantic network of roads. In terms of total length, it amounts to around 262,300 miles (or 422,100 kilometres for the metrically minded). Obviously, these roads vary enormously in size and capacity, as well as quality. From motorways linking major urban centres to small residential streets, there’s a lot of tarmac out there.
The largest and most important highways, which are termed trunk roads, are administered by agencies of central and devolved government. Respectively, these agencies are Highways England in England, Transport Scotland in Scotland, the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, and South Wales Trunk Road Agent in Wales. In London, Transport for London is responsible for all trunk roads and other major roads, which are part of the Transport for London Road Network. In England alone there are 4,300 miles (6,920 km) of trunk roads. All other roads are the responsibility of the relevant county council or unitary authority.
However, clearing up rubbish and waste from the roadside is the responsibility of private companies employed by the relevant government agency or local council which owns the road. This can cover everything from picking up litter alongside busy trunk roads to road sweeping to get rid of autumn leaves. And understandably, getting rid of needles and other sharps is one key aspect that needs careful consideration.
Roadside sharps removal is specialist work
Roadside sharps removal is a key part of our roadside specialist cleaning services. Our team can quickly respond to incidents on or near the road network. If public spaces become contaminated with used syringes, it is vitally important to clear the area quickly to ensure the safety of members of the public. Our staff are fully insured, vaccinated against all blood-borne viruses, and use robust procedures to clear affected areas quickly and safely. Once collected, any sharps and syringes are disposed of safely and we provide a certificate of disposal.
Indeed, the correct collection and disposal of biohazardous waste is essential to protecting the public and the environment from health and safety risks. This includes hazardous and biological material that may have come into contact with or been infected by microbiological and pathological waste. We operate to industry-leading standards eg BS-EN-ISO 9001:2018 and ISO14001 for Environmental Management.
They say don’t sweat the small stuff. But in the case of potentially harmful used syringes needles and sharps, it’s the small stuff that you should be concerned with. With our roadside sharps removal service, we can bring truth to that saying and give all road users and pedestrians peace of mind.
Coronavirus deep cleaning and infection control
Our team are experts at cleaning and disinfecting areas exposed to the SARS-Cov2 virus which causes Covid-19 (the current coronavirus pandemic). Routine decontamination is insufficient and may spread rather than reduce contamination. We highly recommend ATP testing to be certain of success. Key Infection Control Cleaning features
Rapid response 24/7/365.
Secure the area, protecting staff and public.
Test for contaminants pre- and post-clean.
Deploy BS EN 1276 chemical cleaners.
Utilise superior quality PPE.
Clean and thoroughly disinfect.
Licensed to remove hazardous waste.
Experts in the specialist cleaning sector.
As the situation develops, we'll be responding in coming weeks with more information on our blog. So stay tuned – and keep washing your hands and practising good respiratory hygiene in the meantime.
#SharpsRemoval #CleanerRoadsides #SpecialistCleaning
Contact one of the team today to find out more about our roadside sharps removal service, along with other roadside specialist cleaning services.
Telephone: 01283 550 503
Email: info@reactplc.co.uk
Website: www.reactsc.co.uk
Post by Shaun D. Doak
Shaun is the Managing Director of React Specialist Cleaning. He is deeply committed to making sure that every one of our company’s clients receives the highest possible level of service. An expert in HVAC and commercial and industrial cleaning methodologies, Shaun has extensive experience in the facilities management and renewable services sector.