Page 38 - Paragon Housing Association - H&S Handbook

Sharps – Needles and drugs paraphernalia
Should you encounter hazardous items, such as needles or bodily fluids, like blood, etc, in
the common areas under the Association’s responsibility, you must report this to us urgently.
If possible, provide a photo and mark the location as accurately as you can. Refrain from touching the object, and if feasible, cover it. Ensure children and pets are kept well away from it.
We will arrange for the safe cleaning and/or collection and disposal of any hazardous items (such as syringes and needles or bodily fluids/excretions) in the communal areas of our properties or land.
Where the individual(s) responsible for those hazardous materials are known, we will take appropriate action in partnership with other agencies, such as Police Scotland, NHS, and the Local Authority, to resolve the issue.
If any such items are found on footpaths, roads, public parks, etc., where the local council maintains them, please call them.
Electric Vehicle Charging
With electric vehicles becoming more popular, you should be aware of the safety issues around charging these and your responsibilities.
You will need our permission if you are installing a
charging point on our property (EVCP). Please get in
touch with us for an alteration to property form. Do not start work before you do this. If we grant permission, you will need to provide a copy of the Electrical Installation Certificate, the make and model of the charger unit, and a clear photo of the installed charging point.
The Association will not maintain the EVCP, and we may require you to remove it at the end of your tenancy. When we do our periodic electrical testing, we will check any installed, and if these are not up to standard, we will require you to bring it up to standard, or we may remove it and recharge you for the cost of the works.
Ensure you are not installing it near combustible materials like bins, shrubs, etc. Avoid creating trip hazards for yourself, neighbours or passersby. Protect the terminals from possible damage, e.g. from the weather, children, pets, etc.
If you are removing a charging point, you should contact us, and we will require to check if it has been removed safely and that any damage to the building and any other areas has been made good.
When using your charger, ensure you use the correct cables, either supplied or recommended by the manufacturer. Cheap cables may overheat and cause fires or give you a nasty shock.
38 Paragon Housing Association Health and Safety Handbook