During a bio-medical waste inspection, which item should an REHS verify?

• A. Blue bags and red bags
• B. Sharps container and red bags
• C. Sharps container and blue bags
• D. Orange bags and red bags

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is proper segregation and containment of biomedical waste to prevent exposure and ensure safe handling. The best choice reflects two essential controls: a sharps container and red bags. A dedicated sharps container must be puncture-resistant, leak-proof, closable, and clearly labeled, so that needles and other sharp items are stored safely and won’t cause injuries. Red bags are used for regulated medical waste or biohazard waste and should be used to contain infectious materials so they can be treated properly.

This pairing demonstrates compliance with standard waste handling practices: safe containment of sharps and correct packaging of biohazard waste. Other color bag options or only having bags without a proper sharps container don’t address both critical elements—injury prevention with sharps and proper waste segregation for treatment.