Discarded needles discovered at Glasgow Uni gym

‘Sharp bin’ disposal boxes have been installed in bathrooms


Over the past three weeks, Glasgow Uni has received several reports of needles being found left lying in the Stevenson building changing rooms. 'Sharp bin' disposal boxes have been provided in changing rooms for a number of years now, intended for razor blades, medical injections and other sharp objects that staff may feel uncomfortable handling. However after recent instances of needles being disposed of in a dangerous and inappropriate way, they have also been installed in bathrooms. A warning notice is posted alongside the boxes, which reads 'anabolic injections are prohibited in this facility and members found in breach of this will have their membership confiscated.'

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These measures have been taken to 'improve staff safety'

Students and staff have expressed shock and concern about the discovery of discarded needles, and GUSA president Paddy Everingham was quick to address the issue. He has supported the introduction of sharp bin disposal boxes as a long term measure, as they are 'improving staff safety.' Regarding the possibility of a drug abuse issue within Glasgow Uni sports facilities, he stated:

"Clubs at the university do a lot to tackle the issue of drugs on campus but it is also down to community residents not to take steroids as part of being a respectful person and not breaking the law. It is plain and simple – don't do drugs.'

He added: "People need to think about the safety of staff and other members when they use the premises and I am glad there are steps being taken.

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A spokesman for the university also defended the new safety precautions in place, explaining that people take injections for a number of different reasons such an medical conditions.

"Recently we have installed a notice and sharps bins in toilet cubicles to protect our colleagues and customers from the danger of coming into contact with needles which have not been disposed of properly."

"We have found only a very small number of needles and have taken the opportunity to reiterate our strong opposition to any form of illegal or performance enhancing substances."

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GUSA and UofG representatives have been quick to respond to the recent discovery

The Glasgow Uni needle controversy was initially sparked when images were circulated online. In current Scottish law, anabolic steroids are categorised as a class C drug, and although they are illegal to sell they are legal to possess for personal use.

Although the boxes undeniably contribute to the University facility's hygiene and safety, some consider these measures to be controversial and argue they normalise steroid use culture.

If anyone is struggling with any form of substance abuse including anabolic steroid use, help is available. Please do not hesitate to contact support services detailed on the GUSA website, the crisis support team CAPS, Barclay Medical Centre located in the Fraser Building, the SRC or your local GP.