Sharps and Broken Glass

Proper Glassware and Sharps Disposal

Sharps injuries pose a significant occupational risk, particularly for exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

Such injuries are a primary route for the workplace transmission of serious infections, including hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Sharps are any items capable of puncturing, cutting or abrading the skin such as glass or plastic pipettes, broken glass, test tubes, petri dishes, razor blades, needles and syringes with needles.

Best Practices

• Use a dustpan and brush, cardboard or tongs to clean up any broken glass.
• Do not clean up broken glass or sharps with your hands.

Contact

Environmental Health and Safety
facoccsafety@groups.purdue.edu
765-494-6371