Sharps Awareness

What’s covered

This course will examine the statistics about used needles, define “sharps,” and examine the various items that can be found in “sharps litter,” such as broken glass, knives, scissors, and nails in addition to needles, syringes, and scalpel blades. We will examine employers’ obligations including the use of risk assessments to ensure workers’ safety. The course will then take a detailed look at HIV, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, and examine the Chain of Infection to describe how an infection spreads and what actions can be taken to break the chain and halt the process.

The likelihood of developing an infection following a needlestick injury will be examined, along with the variables that may influence this. The course will walk you through the tools you need, such as litter pickers, forceps, disinfectant sprays, and gloves, as well as the correct techniques you should use to avoid injury. We’ll look at 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, we will discuss how to report discarded sharps and what to do if you accidentally injure yourself with a sharp object.

What you’ll learn

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.

Modules in this course

Recommended system requirements

• Browser: Up to date web browser
• Video: Up to date video drivers
• Memory: 1Gb+ RAM
• Download Speed: Broadband (3Mb+)