What is the preferred method for collecting contaminated broken glass?

The preferred method for collecting contaminated broken glass is using tongs or forceps. This approach minimizes the risk of injury to the individual handling the broken glass. When using tools like tongs or forceps, one can safely grasp the shards without coming into direct contact, significantly reducing the potential for cuts or puncture wounds.

Utilizing tongs or forceps also helps maintain a safe distance from sharp edges, allowing for more controlled collection. This method is particularly important in laboratory or clinical settings, where there may be biohazard risks associated with the glass, as it is essential to avoid direct exposure to any contaminants present.

Other methods, such as using gloved hands or vacuum cleaners, can pose additional risks or may not effectively capture all shards. Bare hands should never be used due to the obvious danger of injury. Therefore, the use of tongs or forceps reflects best practices in ensuring both safety and effective cleanup in a contaminated environment.