http://www.vhpb.org/files/html/Meetings_and_publications/Viral_Hepatitis_Newsletters/vhv14n1.pdf

BBV occur when infected blood is passed from one person to another via cuts, orally, sexually etc. There is a very small chance of passing on BBV by Needle-stick. The most serious of these are HIV. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, but can also include such things as septicaemia, tetanus, and all manner of infections.

Please note that other bodily fluids such as vaginal secretions, Mucus, Semen, Breast Milk should also be treated with the same care as blood.

The following precautions should be taken:

• Avoid sharps usage where possible, and where sharps usage is essential, exercise particular care in handling and disposal. All sharps should be placed in a sharps bin. They should certainly not be placed into a standard bin, or placed with general waste. No players should be allowed to walk around in public with needle in. All players must ensure they do not leave a play area if they are still bleeding or do not have sufficient coverage of the area. Ensure that before you leave a scene you have thoroughly cleaned up and wipe all area you have used, with antibacterial cleaner. Avoid wearing open footwear in situations where blood may be spilt, or where needle sticks and sharps are handled Wear gloves where contact with blood is likely (consider double gloving) Cover existing wounds and all breaks in exposed skin

It is certainly worth anyone who engages in needle play to get vaccinated against Hepatitis as well as Tetanus and of course, if you are aware that you have any infections, you should make this aware to anyone you choose to play with.