Department of Health

Key messages

  • Policies and procedures must comply with the Firearms Act 1996 and the Control of Weapons Act 1990.

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.

Reviewed 29 May 2015

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