Course(s)
The Echo3 Needlestick and Sharps course teaches workers how to handle sharps safely, dispose of them correctly, and respond to a needlestick injury if one occurs.
A sharp is any object that can puncture or cut the skin: needles, scalpel blades, lancets, broken glass, and contaminated instruments. A needlestick injury happens when one of these objects accidentally penetrates the skin, creating a route for bloodborne viruses such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV to enter the body. The risk exists wherever sharps are used or may be encountered, including hospitals, care homes, dental practices, tattoo studios, cleaning roles, and waste handling.
Trained workers know how to reduce the risk of a sharps injury and what steps to take immediately if one occurs. Employers get documented proof that staff have received structured training on sharps safety, a legal requirement in healthcare settings.
Needlestick and sharps injuries remain one of the most common occupational hazards in healthcare, with significant risks extending to cleaning, waste management, and any role where discarded sharps may be present.
An estimated 100,000 needlestick injuries occur in UK hospitals each year, with many more going unreported. Each injury carries a risk of infection from bloodborne viruses, and the psychological impact on the injured worker can be significant even where no infection results.
Many of these injuries are preventable through correct handling, the use of safety-engineered devices, and proper disposal procedures: precisely the practices this course covers.
Employers who fail to provide adequate training and controls risk prosecution under sharps-specific regulations, increased insurance and treatment costs, and enforcement action from the HSE or CQC.
Employers must assess and control the risk of sharps injuries. The key regulations are:
The Echo3 Needlestick and Sharps course is written in compliance with the 2013 Regulations and COSHH. Every completion is stored in the Echo3 LMS, giving managers a clear record for inspections and audits.
This course is for anyone whose work could bring them into contact with needles, blades, or other sharps.
It suits new starters, experienced workers refreshing their knowledge, and organisations documenting sharps safety training across a team. Workers who also need broader bloodborne pathogen awareness should consider the Bloodborne Pathogens course alongside this one.
Independently accredited by the CPD Group. The certificate supports workplace audits, CQC inspections, and documented compliance with the 2013 Regulations.
Video-led modules covering: risks from needlestick injuries, legal responsibilities, general best practice for sharps safety, and safe sharps disposal and incident response; each with interactive knowledge checks. Self-paced, accessible on any device. Most learners complete in approximately 50 minutes.
On passing, learners receive a QR code-protected, CPD-accredited certificate, valid for three years. All records are stored in the Echo3 LMS for employer access during audits and compliance reviews.
Echo3 delivers fully online safety training with learner tracking, certification management, and compliance records, all from one dashboard. Combine this course with Bloodborne Pathogens, PPE, COSHH Awareness, and RIDDOR training for a structured approach to biological hazard management.
Investing in Needlestick and Sharps training protects workers from preventable injuries, reduces the risk of bloodborne virus transmission, and gives employers documented compliance records.
All in a convenient, time-efficient format.
At Echo3 we design our courses around how people actually learn. The content is concise, free from unnecessary repetition, and supported by motion graphics to help explain key concepts. This enables workers to train efficiently, stay engaged, and ultimately stay safe at work.
The objectives of the Needlestick course include;
Risk Awareness, provide an understanding of the risks associated with needlesticks and sharps injuries. Especially exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Prevention Techniques, learn practical strategies to prevent needlestick injuries and sharps accidents, including proper handling, disposal, and the use of safety devices.
Regulatory Compliance, the course covers relevant regulations to ensure participants understand their legal responsibilities in managing sharps safely.
Safe Practices, imparts knowledge about safe work practices, emphasising the importance of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and engineering controls to minimise exposure risk.
Response and Reporting, provides guidance on immediate response measures when an injury occurs, such as cleaning and disinfection procedures, as well as the importance of reporting incidents for further evaluation.
Ultimately, the online Needlesticks and Sharps course strives to protect healthcare workers and other at-risk individuals from unnecessary harm.
This Needlestick and Sharps training is aimed at any individual who may work in roles where needles and sharps may be present, however infrequently.
This includes a wide range of Healthcare & Social care employees (including contractor staff), Laboratory workers, Technical staff, those within the Cosmetic and Body Art industry, or others who may use or work in the vicinity of needles. This includes roles such as Laundry staff, Cleaners, Janitors, Housekeepers and others.
NB: For those working with needles where blood spills may occur, we also recommend undertaking the Bloodborne Pathogens training course.
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 requires those employing staff in healthcare, tattoo, beauty and other industries that use needles to first assess the risks. Appropriate control measures, such as training, must be put in place, and documented.
The Sharp Instruments in Healthcare Regulations 2013 relate specifically to healthcare employers and contractors.
These employers must provide information and training to staff on a range of specific topics. Most or all will be covered by the Echo3 Needle stick course.
In workplaces where there is a risk to staff from sharpes risks employer may also need to comply with COSHH (2002)
Engaging video-based content
Learner dashboard included
Instant access after payment
Free course retakes
Shareable digital certificate
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Have any questions about our training or services?
Email us at info@echo-3.co.uk today!
