Sharps Awareness Course

In this course we’ll start by looking at some statistics relating to discarded needles, then define ‘sharps’ and look at the different types that can be found in ‘sharps litter’, ranging from needles, syringes and scalpel blades to broken glass, knives, scissors and nails.

There is a common misconception that sharps injuries are only of concern to medical and care staff. However it is not uncommon for people in other industries such as waste disposal to come into contact with used sharps.

In this course we’ll start by looking at some statistics relating to discarded needles, then define ‘sharps’ and look at the different types that can be found in ‘sharps litter’, ranging from needles, syringes and scalpel blades to broken glass, knives, scissors and nails.

It then covers the primary and secondary risks from sharps. It’ll look at the responsibilities of employers and how they must use risk assessment to ensure workers safety, as much as possible.

Then, the course will take a detailed look at Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Tetanus There’ll be a section on the Chain of Infection, helping you to understand how an infection gets passed on, and what steps can be taken to break the chain and stop the process.

It’ll look at the probability of picking up an infection from a needlestick injury, and the factors that can affect this.

It’s important to always handle discarded sharps safely so the course will take you through the equipment you need, including litter pickers, forceps, disinfectant sprays and gloves, along with the correct techniques you should employ to avoid injury.

This subject will be further expanded on by detailing the correct sharps handling procedures, including how to dispose of discarded sharps safely, how to remove disposable gloves to minimise cross-contamination, and correct hand washing procedures.

Finally, it’ll cover how to report discarded sharps and the correct procedures to follow if you’re unlucky enough to receive a sharps injury.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognise the safety implications of using Sharps, whether clinical or non-clinical.
• State the associated injuries and infections associated with usage of sharps. Understand employer risk assessments regarding sharps and what to do if you are injured.
• Define the chain of infection from a sharps injury.
• Identify susceptible employees and the chance of injury resulting in infection.
• Demonstrate understanding of the effective use of equipment for the safe handling and disposal of sharps.

Module 1: Sharp Safety, the Basics
Module 2: Needlestick Injuries
Module 3: The Chain of Infection
Module 4: Chances of Infection
Module 5: Equipment
Module 6: Safe Handling Procedures
Module 7: Final Assessment

Knowledge of the dangers associated with sharps, safe handling techniques and use of appropriate PPE will help you to protect yourself from the dangers.

CPD approval means that this course can be used by those that need to prove they are continually developing themselves.

Online training is flexible, efficient and cost effective meaning the candidate can progress through the modules at their own pace and in their own time, so they can fit the training in around their work and personal life.

There are a lot of courses in our health and safety and health and social care suites that would make great follow ups to this course and if you are in the adult social care sector then they would all provide valuable additions to your knowledge. Specific topics that compliment this directly are Diabetes Awareness and Introduction to Personal Safety for Lone Workers.