Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What is one unapproved method of managing contaminated sharps?

1. Using a sharps container

2. Calling a disposal service

3. Throwing them in regular garbage

4. Securing them with tape

The correct answer is: Throwing them in regular garbage

Using regular garbage to dispose of contaminated sharps is unequivocally an unapproved method of managing these hazardous items. Sharps, such as needles and other items that can puncture or cut, pose a significant risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents if not handled properly. Disposing of them in regular trash can lead to accidental exposure for sanitation workers and the general public. On the other hand, utilizing a sharps container is the recommended practice. Sharps containers are specifically designed to safely hold used sharps until they can be properly processed for disposal, minimizing the risk of injury. Calling a disposal service is also a responsible approach, as it ensures that the contaminated sharps are handled according to regulatory standards. Securing sharps with tape does not provide an effective solution for preventing injury or contamination; it could still result in accidental exposure. Thus, the only method listed that is unapproved is the disposal of contaminated sharps in regular garbage.