Course overview
What this course covers
Understand safe handling, disposal, storage and reporting arrangements for sharps to reduce needlestick and contamination risks.
This course explains the key workplace risks linked with Sharps Safety and the controls normally used to manage them. Learners are guided through what to check, what to report and how this subject should be applied through local procedures, supervision and review.
Who Should Attend
Suitable for care, healthcare, support and facilities staff who need basic workplace awareness of hygiene, infection control, sharps safety and safeguarding-related reporting routes.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain why sharps safety matters in a workplace setting
- Identify common hazards, unsafe conditions and warning signs linked with this topic
- Recognise suitable controls, checks and safe working arrangements
- Understand what should be reported, escalated or stopped when conditions are unsafe
- Know how records, supervision and review support ongoing control
Course Content
- Sharps hazards
- Sharps containers
- Do not recap needles
- Safe disposal immediately after use
- Container fill levels
- Transport and storage
- Needlestick response
- Reporting and investigation
- Training and supervision
Course Application Focus
Learners should be able to apply the course information to everyday workplace checks, follow local procedures, recognise when controls are missing or failing, and raise concerns before harm occurs.
Legal / Regulatory Context
Relevant context includes employer health and safety duties, infection prevention procedures, sharps safety arrangements, COSHH where substances are used, manual handling controls and safeguarding reporting procedures. Learners must follow employer, clinical and local care procedures.