Question

Broken glassware, which may be contaminated, shall not be picked up directly with the hands, but by mechanical means, such as:

a) Tongs or forceps
b) Broom and dustpan
c) Bare hands
d) Vacuum cleaner

Answer 1

Broken glassware should never be picked up with bare hands, but rather with tools like tongs, forceps, or a broom and dustpan to prevent injury and contamination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the safe handling of potentially contaminated broken glassware in a laboratory setting. When dealing with broken glass, it should not be picked up directly with the hands, but by using mechanical means for safety reasons. Appropriate mechanical means for picking up broken glassware include tongs or forceps, and a broom and dustpan. It is critically important to avoid using bare hands due to the risk of injury and contamination. A vacuum cleaner is typically not suitable for glass shards as they can damage the machine or pose a hazard if not disposed of correctly.

Always remember to use gloves, goggles, or safety aprons as instructed to protect against hazards. Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment is a shared responsibility, and proper protocols must be followed to minimize risks, including avoiding eating or drinking in the lab, correctly cleaning materials, and properly disposing of hazardous materials.