Final answer:
Engineering controls, such as disposable containers for sharps, self re-sheathing needles, and needle-less systems, are all measures to reduce health-care associated infection risk. They form part of safety protocols to ensure a sterile working environment. Sterilization is required for items like inoculating loops and needles, which must be free of microbes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The examples of engineering controls include: a) Disposable containers for sharps, b) Self re-sheathing needles, and c) Needle-less systems. All these options represent different forms of engineering solutions designed to create safer medical environments by mitigating the risks associated with the use of sharps. These controls are part of standard safety protocols to prevent accidental needle sticks and the potential transmission of infections among healthcare providers and patients.
Examples of items that require sterilization in medical settings are inoculating loops and needles (metal or sterile disposable plastic), metal forceps, and other instruments like Bunsen burners or sterilizers used to maintain an aseptic environment. Such items are exposed to high temperatures to ensure they are free of microbes before use.
To reduce the transmission of infections, like HBV, in healthcare settings, engineering controls are crucial. They are part of the broader safety protocols that include sterilization, use of personal protective equipment, and proper disposal mechanisms for sharps and other biohazardous materials.