Sharps Awareness

Sharps Awareness: CPD, IIRSM & IOSH Approved

Course Description: Sharps injuries are not limited to medical and care staff; individuals in various industries, including waste disposal, may encounter discarded sharps. This course begins by presenting statistics on discarded needles and defines ‘sharps’, covering a range of items from needles and syringes to knives and broken glass found in sharps litter. It discusses primary and secondary risks associated with sharps, employer responsibilities for risk assessment, and provides detailed information on infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and Tetanus. The course explores the Chain of Infection, factors affecting infection probability from needlestick injuries, and safe handling techniques using appropriate equipment like litter pickers, forceps, and gloves. Procedures for safe sharps disposal, glove removal to minimize cross-contamination, and proper hand hygiene are also covered, along with protocols for reporting sharps incidents and managing sharps injuries.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the safety implications of using sharps in clinical and non-clinical settings.
• Identify potential injuries and infections associated with sharps use and understand employer risk assessment responsibilities.
• Define the Chain of Infection resulting from sharps injuries.
• Assess the likelihood of infection following a sharps injury and factors influencing it.
• Demonstrate effective use of equipment for safe handling and disposal of sharps.

Target Audience: This course is essential for anyone likely to encounter sharps waste during their daily work, including healthcare professionals, waste disposal personnel, and individuals in various industries.

Advantages: Understanding the risks associated with sharps, adopting safe handling practices, and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) enhances personal safety. CPD approval ensures the course meets continuous professional development requirements. Online training offers flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, allowing participants to complete modules at their own pace.

Further Progression: Courses in health and safety and health and social care suites, such as Diabetes Awareness and Introduction to Personal Safety for Lone Workers, complement this course and enhance overall knowledge in related fields.

Course Modules and Pass % Required:

• Module 1: Sharp Safety, the Basics
  • Pass % Required: 70
• Module 2: Needlestick Injuries
  • Pass % Required: 70
• Module 3: The Chain of Infection
  • Pass % Required: 70
• Module 4: Chances of Infection
  • Pass % Required: 70
• Module 5: Equipment
  • Pass % Required: 70
• Module 6: Safe Handling Procedures
  • Pass % Required: 70
• Module 7: Final Assessment
  • Pass % Required: 70

Recommended System Requirements:

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

Duration: 55 minutes (Note: Based on video content duration; excludes loading and question-thinking time.)

This course equips participants with vital skills and knowledge to safely manage sharps encounters, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and minimizing risks associated with sharps injuries in diverse occupational settings.