Sharps Training
Sharps injuries can transmit serious bloodborne diseases - including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV - and in many cases they are entirely preventable with the right handling and disposal practices. This course covers what sharps are, the risks they pose, how to handle and dispose of them correctly, and what the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 and general health and safety law require of employers and employees. Completed entirely online in around 20 minutes, it is suitable for anyone who handles sharps in a work, home or travel context.
• What are sharps?
The range of objects classified as sharps — including needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors, infusion sets and connected needles or blades — the injuries they can cause and the bloodborne diseases that can be transmitted through accidental puncture wounds.
• Preventing the spread of infections
How to handle sharps safely to minimise the risk of injury, correct disposal practices including the use of sharps containers, and the responsibilities of employers and employees under the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 to prevent injuries and reduce the risk of infection transmission.
• Assessment
Online knowledge checks completed throughout the course.
Online e-learning course of approximately 20 minutes, delivered with practical guidance on safe handling, disposal and infection prevention. Allows completion at the learner's own pace.
Anyone who handles sharps as part of their work, including healthcare staff, care workers and others who use or come into contact with needles, syringes or other sharps in professional, home or travel settings.
No prerequisites required.