Which statement is a good work practice regarding needles and syringes?

The statement emphasizing that needles and syringes must be disposed of immediately in a sharps container located in the immediate work area reflects a crucial aspect of biosafety practices. Proper disposal of needles and syringes is vital for minimizing the risk of injury and preventing the spread of infections.

Sharps containers are specifically designed to hold used needles, blades, and other sharp objects safely, reducing the chance of needle-stick injuries to individuals who might handle waste later on. Having the sharps container readily accessible in the immediate work area ensures that disposal can occur promptly after use, reinforcing safe handling practices and maintaining a safer laboratory or clinical environment.

In contrast, recapping needles after use, placing them in regular trash, or reusing them after disinfection are practices that greatly increase the risk of needle-stick injuries and exposure to potentially hazardous biological materials, which are generally discouraged in biosafety protocols. Therefore, immediate disposal in an appropriate container is recognized as the standard for safe work practice concerning needles and syringes.