Department of Health

Dangerous articles in health services

Key messages

  • Services need to be aware of the potential for everyday items, such as furniture and crockery, to be used as weapons.
  • Health services should assess the risks associated with any dangerous articles and apply a proactive risk management approach.
  • Risk plans should assess the specific needs of the individual settings, conditions and consumers.

Health services should assess the risks associated with any dangerous articles and apply a proactive risk management approach that targets the specific needs of their individual settings, conditions and consumers.

Services are urged to recognise and manage the potential for everyday items, such as furniture and crockery, to be used as weapons.

Typical dangerous articles

Dangerous articles include items that have either been adapted for use as a weapon or are carried with the intention of being used as a weapon. Such articles may include items commonly used in healthcare settings, such as syringes or scissors, which could potentially be carried for use as a weapon.

Downloads

Deter, detect and manage: A guide to better management of weapons in health services
pdf 585.73 KB

Reviewed 29 May 2015

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