The appropriate guideline is: activating the safety mechanism immediately after use of the sharp.
Correct guideline
Activating a sharp’s safety device right after use is a widely recommended practice to reduce the risk of needlestick and other sharps injuries in healthcare and laboratory settings. This step helps contain the sharp point as soon as possible and lowers the chance of accidental contact by you or others nearby.
Why others are unsafe
Guidelines generally advise against bending or removing needles before disposal, combining small sharps containers into larger ones, or picking up broken glass with gloved hands because these actions significantly increase the risk of puncture or cut injuries and exposure to contaminated materials. Instead, sharps should be disposed of intact in approved sharps containers and broken glass should be handled with tools such as tongs or a brush and dustpan.
