Pour fluids slowly and close to the receptacle to prevent splash, spray, or aerosol effect.

Take precautions to prevent injuries caused by needles, lancets, scalpels, and other sharp instruments and devices during and after procedures and when disposing of used needles. Do not recap needles under normal circumstances.

Dispose all disposable sharp instruments in specially designed, puncture-resistant containers. Do not recap, bend, break by hand, or remove needles from disposable syringes (Figure A.1). Use forceps or cut intravenous tubing if necessary. Use care when transferring “sharps” to another person. Use forceps or put the “sharp” in a receptacle.

Place, transport, and store specimens in leakproof receptacles with solid, tight-fitting covers. Cap ports of containers. Before transport, specimens must be placed in a tightly sealed bag marked with a “biohazard” tag. Biohazard symbols warn of biologic hazards and must be displayed in the presence of these hazardous biologic agents or locations.

Place soiled linens and similar items in leakproof bags before transport. Some biohazard bags are red in color for easy identification.