How should sanitation workers handle sharp objects found in waste?

Sanitation workers should handle sharp objects found in waste by using puncture-resistant gloves and placing them in a designated sharps container. This practice is critical for several reasons.

Firstly, puncture-resistant gloves provide an essential layer of protection against potential injuries caused by sharp objects such as needles, glass, or metal fragments. Regular gloves do not offer the same level of safety and may easily puncture, exposing workers to risks such as cuts or infections.

Secondly, using a designated sharps container ensures that these hazardous materials are properly contained and segregated from regular waste. Sharps containers are specifically designed to prevent leaks and minimize the risk of injury during disposal, and they are often color-coded and labeled to indicate the presence of hazardous materials. This approach not only protects the sanitation workers but also safeguards the public and the environment from potential harm.

Effective waste management protocols mandate that sharp objects must be handled with care and disposed of in a manner that minimizes risk to all involved in the waste management process.