Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What should a healthcare worker do with a used needle?

1. Throw it in a regular trash can

2. Place it in a puncture-proof, biohazardous waste container

3. Dispose of it in a sharps disposal box

4. Burn it

The correct answer is: Place it in a puncture-proof, biohazardous waste container

The appropriate action for a healthcare worker dealing with a used needle is to place it in a puncture-proof, biohazardous waste container. This option is correct because it ensures the safe disposal of sharp objects that can pose a serious risk of injury and infection to both healthcare workers and the general public. Biohazardous waste containers are specifically designed to handle used needles and other sharps, preventing them from causing accidental punctures or exposure to pathogens. While options like disposing it in a sharps disposal box or burning it might also seem reasonable, only the puncture-proof, biohazardous waste container emphasizes the essential safety aspect of managing contaminated sharps effectively. The use of a specialized container helps to prevent exposure to hazardous materials, upholds safety guidelines set forth by OSHA, and contributes to the overall safety of healthcare environments. Regular trash cans do not provide the necessary protection and are not compliant with the regulations for hazardous waste disposal.