Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamSafety, Sanitation, and SterilizationHard
A cosmetologist is cleaning up after a service and needs to dispose of contaminated waste, such as items soiled with blood or bodily fluids. According to Florida regulations, how should this biohazardous waste be handled?
- APlaced in a puncture-resistant container, then into a red biohazard bag, and disposed of by a licensed medical waste service.
- BPlace it in a regular trash can lined with a black garbage bag.
- CRinsed thoroughly with water, then placed in a regular trash can.
- DDouble-bagged in a red biohazard bag and disposed of as general waste.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Placed in a puncture-resistant container, then into a red biohazard bag, and disposed of by a licensed medical waste service.
Florida regulations (and OSHA standards) require biohazardous waste, especially items with blood/bodily fluids, to be segregated. Sharps go into puncture-resistant containers. All biohazardous waste must then be placed in clearly labeled red biohazard bags and collected by a licensed medical waste disposal company to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Regular trash is inappropriate for biohazardous waste and violates health regulations.
- C. Rinsing is insufficient for decontamination and biohazardous waste cannot be treated as general waste after rinsing.
- D. While a red biohazard bag is used, it cannot be disposed of as general waste; it requires specialized medical waste disposal, and sharps need puncture-resistant containers first.
Biohazardous Waste Disposal (FL)
Contaminated waste (blood/bodily fluids) must be placed in puncture-resistant containers (if sharps), then in red biohazard bags, and disposed of by a licensed medical waste service.
- Florida regulations mirror OSHA.
- Sharps require puncture-resistant containers.
- Red biohazard bags are for identification.
- Specialized medical waste disposal is mandatory.
Memory trick: Red bag, sharp box, pro haul.