Final answer:
If an instrument is dropped, it should be cleaned and sanitized before use. Broken glass must be handled with safety tools and never touched with bare hands, dismissing the '5-second rule' for dropped food as unsafe and a myth.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with instruments or materials in a lab or classroom setting, safety is always the top priority. If an instrument is dropped on the floor, it should be picked up and properly cleaned and sanitized before use. If the dropped item is glass and has broken, it is crucial to follow safety protocols. According to general lab safety rules, you should use gloves, goggles, or safety aprons when instructed to do so for protection. Broken glass should only be cleaned up with a dust pan and broom, and you should never touch broken glass with your bare hands to avoid injury.
The '5-second rule' claiming that food is safe to eat if picked up within 5 seconds of dropping it is a myth and not a safe practice to follow, particularly in a laboratory or classroom where contaminants could pose a risk.