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’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.