Question

Dispose of needles and scalpels in a plastic baggie, then place in a trash can.

a) To avoid accidental injuries
b) To keep the kennel clean and organized
c) To prevent cross-contamination of tools
d) To save on disposal costs

Answer 1

The primary reason for the disposal of needles and scalpels in a puncture-resistant biohazard container is to avoid accidental injuries. Autoclaving is used to sterilize these items, with the international biohazard symbol indicating special handling and disposal requirements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is a) To avoid accidental injuries. Needles and scalpels are sharp objects that can cause significant harm if not disposed of properly. According to safety guidelines, sharp objects used in a laboratory or medical settings should be placed in a puncture-resistant biohazard disposal container, not just a plastic baggie. This is to prevent needle-stick injuries and potential infections that can result from improper disposal. Moreover, the prevention of cross-contamination, maintaining cleanliness, and managing disposal costs are also important, but the primary reason for proper disposal is to protect individuals from injury.

Autoclaving is a standard procedure to sterilize biohazard waste, including needles and scalpels. By eliminating all microbial life, autoclaving ensures that such contaminants are not reintroduced into the environment or pose a risk to public health.

It is also crucial to recognize the international symbol for biohazards and understand the handling procedures to ensure compliance with safety standards; these involve sterilization and special disposal methods rather than placing such sharp items in general waste streams.