How to use sharps safety devices

This series of short videos have been prepared for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde staff to raise awareness of sharp safety, sharp devices and how some of these devices should be used safely. These video clips, in conjunction with the e-learning modules on NHS LearnPro, form a learning and awareness package suitable for all staff who will use a sharps device, or be at risk of a sharps injury.

Video 1

• Duration - 4.5 minutes
• Content - This introductory video explains the context of this video series

Video 2

• Duration - 4.0 minutes
• Content - This short clip demonstrates the safety action of the Peripheral Vascular Cannula (PVC) (ported and non-ported) used in clinical areas across NHSGGC

Video 3

• Duration - 2.0 minutes
• Content - This video clip focuses on the safe use of the Solcare safety hypodermic needle
• Additional Documentation - Sol Care Hypodermic Needles

Video 4

• Duration - 5.0 minutes
• Content - Focusing on the two safety venepuncture kits used widely in NHSGGC, this video clip demonstrates the safety action on the safety butterfly and tube holder and the visioplus needle with quickshield tube holder. These sharp safe devices have an ‘audible click’ when the safety device is activated
• Additional Documentation - Griener Butterfly / Venepuncture Options / Quickshield

Video 5

• Duration - 2.0 minutes
• Content - This video clip demonstrates the safety insulin syringe and summaries the key points from the other short clips
• Additional Documentation - Magellan Insulin-Tuberculin

Additional Resources

• Spirit Steriheel
• Novopen 3

This short series of video clips has demonstrated the common activation techniques of safety devices used widely in NHSGGC. Practitioners should always ensure that they are knowledgeable and up to date with the activation techniques on all devices that they use and should seek advice from line managers if any further education or awareness is required.

LearnPro Sharps Related Modules

All staff who use or may come into contact with a healthcare related sharps are required to undertake the "GGC: 061 Management of Needlestick & Similar Injuries" module.

In addition, all staff who use healthcare related sharps are required to undertake the NES module "Prevention and Management of Occupational Exposure".

Both modules can be found by entering 'sharps' into the search bar on LearnPro. Further guidance for locating the modules can be found here.