The National Drug Strategy articulates harm minimisation as its guiding principle. This strategy addresses the actual harms associated with alcohol and other drug use and how these harms can be prevented or reduced. “Harm reduction” is part of the overall harm minimisation approach, aimed at keeping people (who choose not to abstain) safe from injurious drug use behaviours, including harms from blood borne viruses.
Safer injecting: Hepatitis B and C can both be acquired through sharing injecting equipment. If people choose to inject drugs, following these guidelines will reduce the possibility of the transmission of blood borne viruses.
1. NEVER share any injecting equipment including: spoons, swabs, tourniquets, water or filters. Infected blood can be present in or on these items in microscopic amounts which can’t be seen, but are enough to transmit hepatitis.
2. Wash hands before AND after every hit to make sure blood is not being spread. This applies whether people are self injecting or assisting someone else.
3. Apply pressure to the injection site to stop bleeding as soon as possible.
4. Dispose of anything with blood on it by putting it in two plastic bags (double-bagging) and putting it into the general domestic waste.
5. Dispose of used fits safely by putting them back into a Fitpack®, into a plastic bottle or container with a lid or into the disposal containers provided by a Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP) service (see below). Used needles and syringes can be returned the NSEP’s for disposal or exchange, or can be disposed of in the yellow needle and syringe disposal bin available in most public toilets and other public places.
Sharing injecting equipment is not recommended, however if sharing equipment is the only option, make sure it is washed in lukewarm or tepid, soapy water. Alternatively, use a sterile swab to wipe the equipment.
How to clean fits: (courtesy of the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL). (2003). When there’s no other way…Cleaning fits [pamphlet]. Canberra: AIVL)
1) Have three separate containers:
- One filled with clean, tepid (cool but not too cold), soapy tap water.
- One with full-strength bleach (at least 5.25% sodium hypochlorite)
- One filled with clean, tepid water.
It is helpful to have a sink nearby to dispose of liquids and adequate working space.
2) Wash hands thoroughly.
3) Draw up the soapy water and then squirt it out. Repeat until there are no longer traces of blood visible. Empty the container of water, as this will now be contaminated.
4) Take the fit apart and put it in the container of bleach. Make sure it is completely covered and leave it for at least two minutes. If there is not enough bleach for soaking, draw the liquid up into the fit and shake it for at least 30 seconds. Squirt it out into the sink. Repeat this at least once more. Dispose of any remaining bleach.
5) Draw up the water from the last container. Squirt it out and repeat this at least six times to ensure all of the bleach is removed.
If possible after using, rinse the fit with cold water. This helps remove any blood and makes cleaning easier next time.
Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs: NSEP’s provide a safe means for disposing of used equipment and offer one-for-one exchanges to ensure sterile equipment is easily available. NSEP’s also sell a range of other injecting equipment such as water ampoules, tourniquets, spoons, filters and swabs at low cost. Items such as condoms and dams are also available. NSEP’s are run by trained staff who are able to offer information regarding safer injecting and safer sex, or can make referrals to treatment, medical attention, social/monetary assistance or counselling.
The main providers of NSEP’s in Perth are the WA Substance Users Association (WASUA) and the WA AIDS Council (WAAC).
WASUA is a peer-based organisation, which provides drug use education, support, medical services and clean equipment. They are located at: 519 Murray Street, West Perth (corner of Elder and Murray Street).
WASUA is open: Sat to Wed between 10am and 4pm; Thurs and Friday between 10am and 8pm.
The WASUA health clinic is open on Tuesday and Thursday, between 10am and 4pm.
Free hepatitis A and B vaccinations are available for people living with hepatitis C.
Free, confidential blood testing can also be done on-site. For further information on these services, please phone (08) 9321 2877.
WAAC provides needle and syringe exchanges, sale of new equipment at low cost, disposal of used equipment and safer sex equipment. Friendly advice, information and referral are also available.
WAAC operate a fixed site at: 664 Murray Street, West Perth and also operate a mobile NSEP service from a van which visits various locations around the Perth metropolitan area. For further information on this service, or to request a timetable, please phone (08) 9482 0000 or 0417 093 537.
