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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Sharps Safety Challenge: OSHA Needlestick Prevention Quiz

Think you can ace sharps disposal best practices? Start the quiz now!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Scott WilsonUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of a syringe and sharps disposal container, quiz title elements on golden yellow background

This OSHA needlestick prevention quiz helps you practice safe needle handling, sharps disposal, and what to do after an exposure. Work through quick, real-world scenarios to spot gaps and lower risk on the job. Start the quiz , then review the answers to see where you can improve.

What is the primary purpose of using safety-engineered needles?
To improve patient comfort during injections
To cut procurement costs
To shorten the time needed for venipuncture
To reduce the risk of needlestick injuries
Safety-engineered needles are designed with built-in mechanisms to protect users from accidental sharps injuries. These devices often feature shields or retraction systems that cover the needle immediately after use. Studies have shown they significantly reduce exposure incidents. Learn more at .
According to OSHA, where should sharps containers be located in a healthcare setting?
Next to the nurse's station
In a locked janitor's closet
Within arm's reach of the point of use
At the central supply room only
OSHA requires that sharps containers be placed as close as practicable to the area where sharps are used to minimize handling and reduce risk of injury. Positioning containers within arm's reach ensures immediate disposal of used needles. This practice is a core component of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. More details at .
When should a sharps container be replaced to prevent overfilling?
When half full
When it is three-quarters full
Only when it is completely full
At the end of each shift regardless of fill level
Sharps containers should be replaced when they reach three-quarters of their capacity to prevent overfilling and potential needlestick injuries. Overfilled containers pose a hazard during disposal and handling. Regular replacement is recommended by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. For more information, see .
Which practice is recommended to prevent needlestick injuries related to needle recapping?
Recap using two hands carefully
Always recap with scissors
Never recap needles by hand
Recap only after disinfecting the needle
OSHA advises against manual recapping of needles as it increases the risk of accidental puncture. If recapping is necessary, the one-handed scoop method or a mechanical device should be used. Elimination of manual recapping is a core engineering control. For detailed guidance, visit .
Which piece of personal protective equipment is essential when handling sharps?
Respirator
Goggles
Gloves
Shoe covers
Gloves are the primary PPE for all procedures involving sharps to provide a barrier against bloodborne pathogens. They reduce the risk of contamination but do not replace engineering controls like safety needles. Gloves should fit properly and be changed between patients. More on PPE requirements at .
What is the first action you should take immediately after a needlestick injury?
Apply a tourniquet above the injury
Wash the area with soap and water
Cover with a bandage and continue working
Squeeze site hard to draw out blood
The initial step following a needlestick injury is to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to reduce pathogen transmission. After cleaning, the incident must be reported and medical evaluation obtained per OSHA's standard. Prompt treatment can reduce infection risk. See for post-exposure procedures.
Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, how often must employees with occupational exposure receive training?
Every three years
At least annually
Only at initial hire
Only when new equipment is introduced
OSHA requires that training on bloodborne pathogens and safe handling of sharps be provided at the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter. This ensures employees stay informed on the latest controls and procedures. Refresher sessions help maintain compliance and safety. More details at .
According to CDC guidelines, within what distance should a sharps container be placed from the point of use?
Within 10 feet
Within 3 feet
Within 5 feet
Within 2 feet
CDC recommends placing sharps containers no more than 3 feet from the point of use to encourage immediate disposal and reduce handling of contaminated sharp items. This positioning is critical to minimizing injury risk. Proper placement complements other engineering controls. For more info, see .
Which device is considered an engineering control that reduces needlestick injuries during intravenous therapy?
Butterfly needle
Needleless IV access system
Glass syringe
Standard hypodermic needle
Needleless IV access systems eliminate the need to use needles for IV therapy, greatly reducing the chance of accidental puncture. These systems are mandated under OSHA's engineering control requirements. They provide safer alternatives for accessing IV lines. Learn more from .
Which of the following is NOT an example of an engineering control under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?
Sharps disposal containers
Self-sheathing needles
Universal precautions
Needleless systems
Engineering controls refer to devices or systems that isolate or remove bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace, such as self-sheathing needles and needleless systems. Universal precautions, however, are work practice controls, not engineering controls. They focus on treating all blood as potentially infectious. More at .
How should contaminated reusable sharps instruments be transported to decontamination areas?
On an open tray covered by a cloth
Loosely in a box
In a labeled, puncture-resistant container
In a sealed plastic grocery bag
Reusable sharps must be transported in labeled, puncture-resistant containers to prevent injury and contamination. This requirement is part of OSHA's engineering and work practice controls. Proper labeling ensures handlers recognize the hazard. For details, reference .
What color coding is typically used for sharps disposal containers to indicate biohazardous content?
Blue with a skull symbol
Green without any symbol
Yellow with a recycling symbol
Red or orange with a biohazard symbol
Red or orange sharps containers with the biohazard symbol are globally recognized to indicate hazardous medical waste. This color coding helps personnel identify the risk quickly. OSHA requires proper labeling and color coding to prevent mishandling. More at .
Devices that allow the needle to retract into a protective sheath after use are called:
Blunt cannula devices
Active safety devices
Standard hypodermic devices
Passive transport devices
Active safety devices require user activation of a safety mechanism to sheath or retract the needle. They are designed to prevent accidental punctures after use. This active engagement differentiates them from passive devices, which activate automatically. For more, see .
If a sharps container is found to be leaking, what should you do?
Ignore it if it's less than half full
Replace it immediately
Store it upright until end of day
Seal with tape and continue using
A leaking sharps container poses a risk of exposure and must be replaced at once. OSHA mandates puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers to ensure safety. Continuing to use a compromised container violates bloodborne pathogen control requirements. See for guidance.
Which bloodborne pathogen poses the greatest risk to healthcare workers after a needlestick injury?
Hepatitis A virus
Hepatitis B virus
Herpes simplex virus
Influenza virus
Hepatitis B virus is more infectious and has a higher transmission rate after needlestick compared to HIV and other pathogens. The availability of an effective vaccine makes prevention critical. OSHA's standard specifically addresses protection and post-exposure management for HBV. More information at .
Which OSHA regulation number specifically addresses the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?
29 CFR 1910.1200
29 CFR 1915.32
29 CFR 1926.501
29 CFR 1910.1030
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is codified in 29 CFR 1910.1030, which outlines requirements for exposure control, engineering controls, and work practices. It specifically covers occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Knowledge of the regulation number is essential for compliance. Learn more at .
Under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, how must regulated medical waste sharps be treated before disposal?
Diluted with water
Autoclaved or incinerated
Freezer stored until disposal
Buried in a landfill without treatment
Regulated medical waste sharps must be treated by autoclaving or incineration before final disposal to inactivate pathogens. This treatment reduces the risk of disease transmission to waste handlers. OSHA requires these steps under its exposure control plan. More details at .
Which organization requires employers to maintain a sharps injury log separate from the OSHA 300 log?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Joint Commission
OSHA under the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act
Environmental Protection Agency
The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act amended OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to require employers to keep a separate sharps injury log. This log tracks percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps. It complements the OSHA 300 log but is focused specifically on sharps injuries. See .
Who must be included in the selection and evaluation process for safer medical sharps devices under OSHA regulations?
Only senior management
Contracted vendors only
External consultants only
Employees with occupational exposure
OSHA requires that employees responsible for direct patient care and who are potentially exposed must be involved in the evaluation and selection of safety-engineered devices. Their input ensures practical usability and acceptance. This provision is part of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. More at .
Which recapping method is acceptable under OSHA when no safety device is available?
Recapping with both hands using a needle block
Two-handed recapping
Scooping with the opposite hand
One-handed scoop method
When safety-engineered devices are not available, OSHA permits the one-handed scoop method for recapping needles. This technique reduces hand-to-needle contact and lowers injury risk. Two-handed recapping is expressly prohibited. For procedural guidance, see .
How often does OSHA specify that sharps containers be inspected for compliance?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
OSHA does not specify a set frequency
OSHA requires that employers ensure containers are proper type and condition but does not mandate a specific inspection interval. Employers should include periodic inspections in their exposure control plan based on workplace needs. Regular checks prevent overfill and damage. More guidance at .
Even when using needleless systems, what residual risk for needlestick injuries remains?
Exposure during needle insertion
Only patients can be injured
Risk is completely eliminated
Injury during disposal of other sharps
Needleless systems eliminate some needle uses but other sharp items like suture needles or scalpels still pose risks. Disposal activities remain a critical point for potential injury. Comprehensive sharps safety programs address all sharps. For details, see .
Which component is NOT mandatory on the label of a sharps disposal container under OSHA regulations?
Signal word such as "Biohazard"
Biohazard symbol
Manufacture date
Manufacturer's information
OSHA requires sharps containers to be labeled with the biohazard symbol, a signal word (e.g., "Biohazard"), and manufacturer's information. There is no requirement for the manufacture date to appear on the label. Proper labeling ensures handlers are aware of the contents. More information at .
When assessing the cost-effectiveness of new safety-engineered sharps devices, which analysis should be performed?
Risk assessment without cost
Return on investment based solely on cost savings
Life-cycle cost analysis
Initial purchase cost only
A life-cycle cost analysis evaluates total costs over the device's lifespan, including procurement, training, injury prevention savings, and disposal. This provides a comprehensive view of value compared to focusing solely on purchase price or ROI. OSHA encourages evaluating long-term benefits to enhance workplace safety. For guidance, see .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand OSHA Needlestick Prevention Standards -

    Gain a clear comprehension of OSHA's key regulations and guidelines for safe needle handling and bloodborne pathogen exposure control.

  2. Identify Sharps Hazards and Risk Factors -

    Recognize common clinical and laboratory scenarios that elevate the risk of needlestick injuries and improper sharps disposal.

  3. Apply Safe Needle Handling Techniques -

    Implement best practices for manipulating, recapping, and transporting needles to minimize injury potential during routine procedures.

  4. Demonstrate Proper Sharps Disposal Procedures -

    Follow correct steps for using sharps containers, segregation of medical waste, and final disposal to ensure compliance.

  5. Analyze Feedback to Reinforce Learning Gaps -

    Interpret quiz results and instant feedback to pinpoint knowledge gaps and strengthen understanding of needlestick safety procedures.

  6. Evaluate Workplace Compliance -

    Assess your organization's adherence to OSHA guidelines and identify opportunities for improvement in needle injury prevention.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Hierarchy of Controls for Needlestick Prevention -

    Review OSHA's hierarchy of controls model, which ranks safety measures from elimination and substitution to engineering controls and PPE. Use the mnemonic "EARS" (Eliminate, Automate, Restrict, Shield) to recall each level quickly. This framework helps you systematically reduce sharps risks before they reach the user.

  2. Sharps Container Management -

    Ensure sharps containers are puncture-resistant, labeled, and located within arm's reach of the point of use - never overfill beyond the fill line. A best practice is the "3/4 fill rule," endorsed by the CDC, to prevent sharps protrusion. Regular audits of container placement boost compliance and reduce needlestick incidents.

  3. Safe Handling and Recapping Techniques -

    Follow the one-handed "scoop" method for recapping needles, as recommended by OSHA, to keep your off-hand safely away from the needle point. Practice on a foam block until it becomes muscle memory. Remember: "One hand, one scoop, one safety" - a simple phrase to solidify the habit.

  4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use -

    Don gloves, eye protection, and gowns before any procedure that might involve bloodborne pathogens. Check for proper glove integrity and fit - tear-free and snug. According to WHO research, consistent PPE use cuts exposure risk by over 80%.

  5. Post-Exposure Evaluation and Reporting -

    If a needlestick injury occurs, wash the area with soap and water immediately and report to your supervisor within two hours. Familiarize yourself with your facility's bloodborne pathogen exposure protocol and the 24-hour post-exposure prophylaxis window. Quick action and accurate documentation can prevent serious infections.

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