Course Aims
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.
Who Attends
This course is aimed at anyone who may come into contact with sharps waste whilst performing
their day to day working activities. This ranges from people working in healthcare to those in waste
disposal with a wide range of other
Course Content
Sharp Safety, the Basics
Needlestick Injuries
The Chain of Infection
Chances of Infection
Equipment
Safe Handling Procedures
Additional Information
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.
Arrange your course with Sibbald
If pre-scheduled dates are not listed on this page, or if the dates published do not fit your requirement, please contact us as arrangements can be made to suit your needs.
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Tel: 01501 750900
Email: enquiries@sibbaldtraining.com