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. with information 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.

Approved by CPD

£25

What’s Involved in the Course?

In this instructor lead training, you will follow our expert instructors as they guide you through the course. The course itself will be a mixture of video presentations, interactive quizzes and a test at the end. But don’t worry, the instructor will give you all the information you need to ace the test. After you complete the course, you will receive a digital certificate straight away.

Learning Objectives
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.

What Do I Need to Take the Course?

As the course is fully online, you only need either a computer, tablet or smartphone and an internet connection. The course is fully responsive so will work across any device. What’s more, you can even save the course and pick it up again, in exactly the same place on another device.