Final answer:
The appropriate way to handle and dispose of contaminated sharps is to place them in a rigid, leakproof, puncture-resistant biohazard waste container. It is important not to recap used sharps and to keep disposable and reusable sharps separate. Washing off sharps with soap and water is not the correct method.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate way to handle and dispose of contaminated sharps is to place used sharps in a rigid, leakproof, puncture-resistant bio-hazards waste container. This ensures that any contaminated sharps, such as needles, are safely contained and prevent any accidental injuries. It is important not to recap used sharps, as this increases the risk of accidental needlestick injuries. Additionally, disposable and reusable sharps should never be kept in the same container to prevent cross-contamination.
It is also crucial to remember that washing off sharps with soap and water is not the appropriate way to handle contaminated sharps. Instead, they should be placed in the designated biohazard waste container.