Final answer:
The CDC recommends to avoid and use sharps only when necessary, practice safe work with sharps using personal protective equipment, and never dispose of sharps in regular trash bins. Contaminated waste, including sharps, requires proper disposal, often after being sterilized by an autoclave.
Step-by-step explanation:
CDC Safety Tips with Sharps The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises on proper handling of sharps in the laboratory to prevent injuries and the spread of infections. Firstly, avoid the use of sharps unless absolutely necessary, and where alternatives are not available, use sharps only when absolutely necessary. When handling sharps, it is essential to use safe work practices with sharps, such as wearing personal protective equipment like gloves and using appropriate sharps containers for disposal. Sharps should never be discarded in regular trash bins, as they pose a risk to sanitation workers and the environment. In addition, one should never handle sharps with bare hands, to avoid cuts and potential exposure to infections. Sharps must always be disposed of in designated sharps disposal containers, and these containers must be puncture-resistant, leakproof, and labeled with the international symbol for biohazards. Laboratory safety guidelines instruct the use of personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, safety aprons, and face protection when handling any potentially infectious materials or equipment. Contaminated waste must be treated properly, with biohazard waste needing to be sterilized by an autoclave before disposal. It is equally important to be vigilant in practices such as handwashing, which is recommended after handling any hazardous materials, to prevent skin contact exposure. In case of accidents or spills, the immediate action is to inform a supervisor and follow the emergency protocols. All hazardous materials, including sharps, need to be handled with caution, following the guidelines provided by your laboratory and referred to in the safety data sheets (SDS) available online.