CuraFlow DC-F06CQCSection F · Health, Safety and Infection Prevention
Sharps and Needlestick Injuries policy
For CQC-registered domiciliary care services · version 1.0 · last reviewed 1 June 2026
Sharps are present in many home care packages, and needlestick injury is the risk this policy is written around. It covers avoiding sharps where possible and using safer devices, safe handling, the use, assembly and disposal of sharps bins, supporting people who self-administer injections, and storage where children or others share the home.
What this policy covers
- Why sharps safety matters
- The framework
- Sharps in domiciliary care
- Avoiding sharps and using safer sharps
- Safe handling of sharps
- Sharps bins — use, assembly and disposal
- Supporting people who self-administer injections
- Storage, children and others in the home
- If a sharps or exposure injury happens
- Reporting, medical follow-up and RIDDOR
- Hepatitis b vaccination and staff health
- Annex a — sharps safety rules (quick reference)
Regulations and guidance it supports
Supports the fundamental standards at Regulation 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
- Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
- Health and Social Care Act 2008
Common questions
- Is the sharps and needlestick injuries policy CQC-aligned?
- Yes. It is written and reviewed by practising UK compliance consultants against current CQC expectations, and supports the fundamental standards at Regulation 20. It is a controlled starting-point document that you adapt to your own service — you remain the accountable provider.
- Can I download and edit this policy?
- Yes. It downloads as Word (.docx) or PDF with your company name, registered manager, CQC ID and address already filled in on the cover page and throughout the document. The Word version is fully editable.
- Can I buy this policy on its own?
- Policies are sold as a complete library rather than individually, because CQC expects a coherent set that cross-references properly — a single policy in isolation creates gaps. The domiciliary care library contains 141 policies and can be bought outright as a one-off purchase and kept permanently.
- How often is it reviewed?
- The library is re-reviewed every six months and after any material regulatory change. This policy was last reviewed 1 June 2026, and is at version 1.0. Updates reach you automatically, so downloads always reflect the current version.