Texas Cosmetology Operator Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyHard
A cosmetologist is preparing to dispose of several items that have come into contact with blood, such as cotton balls and gauze from a minor cut. According to TDLR rules, how should these items be disposed of?
- ASoak them in disinfectant solution for 30 minutes before discarding in regular trash.
- BFlush them down the toilet to sanitize them.
- CPlace them in a regular trash can lined with a plastic bag.
- DSeal them in a clearly labeled biohazard bag and place in a designated biohazard container.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Seal them in a clearly labeled biohazard bag and place in a designated biohazard container.
Items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials are considered biohazardous waste. TDLR rules, consistent with OSHA, require these items to be sealed in a clearly labeled biohazard bag and then placed into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof biohazard container for proper disposal by a licensed waste management company.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Soaking in disinfectant is not a substitute for proper biohazard disposal; the items still need to be handled as biohazardous waste.
- B. Flushing biohazardous waste down the toilet is unsanitary, can clog plumbing, and is not an approved disposal method.
- C. Regular trash is not appropriate for biohazardous waste and poses a risk of infection.
Biohazardous Waste Disposal (TDLR)
According to TDLR rules, items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials must be sealed in a labeled biohazard bag and disposed of in a designated biohazard container.
- Applies to blood-contaminated items.
- Requires a clearly labeled biohazard bag.
- Must be placed in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof container.
- Disposed of by a licensed waste management service.
Memory trick: Blood on the cotton? Biohazard it's gotten!