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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

OSHA needlestick prevention quiz: test your sharps safety skills

Quick, free needlestick safety quiz. Instant results and feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Lily BarnesUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art showing syringe and safety icons around OSHA needlestick prevention quiz title on teal background.

This OSHA needlestick prevention quiz helps you check your skills in sharps handling, disposal, and exposure response. Use it to spot gaps before an audit and build safer habits at work. For more practice, try the osha bloodborne pathogen quiz, take the bloodborne pathogens practice test, or review basics in the osha ppe quiz.

What constitutes a needlestick injury?
A superficial scratch from glass
Any accidental skin penetration by a needle or other sharp device that may be contaminated with blood
Any cut caused by a scalpel in a surgical procedure
A chemical burn resulting from corrosive liquids
A needlestick injury occurs when the skin is accidentally pierced by a needle or other sharp instrument that has been in contact with blood or bodily fluids. This differs from other types of injuries such as superficial scratches or chemical burns. Recognizing this definition helps in understanding exposure risks under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard. For more detailed information see .
Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing workplace standards to prevent needlestick injuries?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety regulations including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. While CDC and NIOSH provide guidance and research, OSHA has the authority to require compliance. Employers must follow OSHA's rules to reduce needlestick injury risk. More details at .
What piece of safety equipment is specifically designed for the disposal of used needles?
General waste bin
Puncture-resistant sharps disposal container
Biohazard waste bag
Recycling container
Sharps containers are rigid, puncture-resistant, leakproof containers clearly marked for sharps disposal. They are designed to safely hold needles and other sharp objects until proper disposal. Using them reduces risk of accidental injury and bloodborne pathogen exposure. For specifications see .
What is one engineering control that helps reduce needlestick injuries?
Anti-slip floor mats
Safety-engineered needle with retractable or shielded mechanism
Hearing protection ear plugs
Steel-toed safety boots
Engineering controls include devices that isolate or remove hazards, such as safety-engineered needles with retractable or shielded mechanisms. They reduce the chance of accidental skin puncture during and after use. OSHA requires employers to evaluate and implement these devices. More at .
When should disposable gloves be changed to help prevent needlestick exposures?
At the end of the workday
After touching non-blood-contaminated items
When they are torn or visibly contaminated
Only after a needlestick injury occurs
Disposable gloves provide a barrier against bloodborne pathogens but can lose integrity if torn or contaminated. Gloves should be changed between tasks and immediately if compromised. This practice minimizes exposure risk. Additional guidance at .
What act specifically amended OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard to require safer needle devices?
Safe Patient Handling Act
Clean Air Act
Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act
Medical Waste Tracking Act
The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was signed into law in 2000, requiring the use of safer needle devices and annual review. It prompted OSHA to revise its Bloodborne Pathogens standard to include engineering controls. This law has significantly reduced needlestick injuries among healthcare workers. See .
According to OSHA, what is the correct technique for recapping a needle if absolutely necessary?
One-handed scoop method
Using forceps
Securing the cap in a tray
Two-handed recapping
OSHA strongly discourages recapping but permits the one-handed scoop technique if no engineering controls are available. This method uses the syringe to scoop the cap onto the needle, reducing hand proximity. Two-handed recapping significantly increases risk of needlestick injuries. Further details: .
How frequently must employees receive training on bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention?
Every two years
Only upon hire
Annually and at the time of initial assignment
Every five years
OSHA requires employers to provide training at the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter. This ensures workers stay informed about new procedures and devices. Regular training is essential for maintaining safe practices and compliance. Learn more at .
What is the first step you should take immediately after sustaining a needlestick injury?
Apply a tourniquet above the wound
Wash the area with soap and water
Squeeze the wound to draw blood
Cover with a bandage without washing
After a needlestick injury, the immediate action is to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water to help remove any contaminants. Applying a tourniquet or squeezing the wound can increase viral transmission risk. Prompt wound care and reporting are critical for exposure management. Official guidance: .
When handling blood collection tubes, which device can help minimize needlestick risk?
Tube holder with built-in needle shield
Standard needle cap
Unshielded syringe
Open tray for tubes
Tube holders with built-in shields provide a barrier immediately after blood draw, reducing needlestick risk. Unshielded syringes and standard caps require manual recapping. Open trays do not offer engineering controls at the source. More info: .
What is an engineered sharps injury protection (ESIP) mechanism?
A type of personal protective glove
A safety feature built into a needle device that activates automatically or manually to cover the needle after use
A chemical disinfectant for cleaning sharps
A container designed for sharps disposal
Engineered sharps injury protection (ESIP) devices have built-in safety features like retractable needles or shields that activate before disposal. They are classified as engineering controls under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard. ESIP devices are proven to reduce needlestick injuries. Details at .
Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard, what is the primary purpose of the Exposure Control Plan?
To train only managerial staff
To provide healthcare to injured employees
To outline procedures and responsibilities for minimizing and managing bloodborne pathogen exposures
To inventory PPE supplies
The Exposure Control Plan is a written document that details how an organization will eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It includes methods of compliance, housekeeping, training, and recordkeeping. Employers must review and update it annually. Read more at .
Which record must employers maintain according to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act?
Employee personal medical histories
Sharps injury log documenting details of needlestick incidents
Daily floor cleaning schedules
Inventory logs of sharps devices
The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act requires employers to keep a sharps injury log separate from the OSHA 300 log. It must include the type and brand of device, department, and description of the incident. This log helps identify high-risk areas and devices. For requirements see .
How often should employers review and update their list of safety-engineered devices?
Only after an incident occurs
Monthly
At least annually
Every five years
OSHA requires employers to annually solicit input from non-managerial employees and review the effectiveness of safety devices. This process ensures up-to-date evaluation of engineering controls. Reviewing only after incidents may delay improvements. More info: .
In addition to engineering and work practice controls, what other method is integral to preventing needlestick injuries?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) use
Sound warning alarms
Electrical insulation
Ergonomic seating
While engineering and work practice controls are first lines of defense, PPE like gloves, gowns, and face shields provide an additional barrier against exposure. PPE must be used when there is potential contact with blood or bodily fluids. PPE alone is not enough, but it complements other controls. Guidelines: .
What details are required in the OSHA-mandated sharps injury log to ensure compliance with the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act?
Financial cost of the device used
Employee's home address and social security number
Detailed medical history of the injured worker
Type and brand of device, department or work area, and description of incident
The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act mandates recording the type and brand of device involved in each incident, the department or work area, and an explanation of how the injury occurred. These specific details help employers and safety committees analyze patterns and select safer devices. Unauthorized personal data and costs are not required. Refer to for more information.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Needlestick Hazards -

    Learn to recognize the most frequent situations and instruments that lead to needlestick injuries across healthcare and laboratory environments.

  2. Recall OSHA Regulations -

    Understand the key OSHA standards and regulatory requirements that govern needlestick prevention and sharps handling.

  3. Apply Safe Handling Techniques -

    Master proper methods for handling, disposing, and transporting needles to minimize the risk of injury.

  4. Analyze Risk Factors -

    Examine environmental and procedural factors that increase the likelihood of needlestick incidents and propose strategies to mitigate them.

  5. Demonstrate Emergency Response -

    Practice the correct immediate actions to take following a needlestick injury, including reporting and seeking medical evaluation.

  6. Implement Best Practices -

    Adopt evidence-based safety protocols and engineering controls to strengthen overall needle stick injury prevention efforts.

Cheat Sheet

  1. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard -

    The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates controls like engineering and work practice controls to reduce sharps injuries. Reviewing official OSHA guidance ensures you excel in the OSHA needlestick prevention training quiz by understanding legal requirements. Familiarize yourself with key terms - exposure control plan, universal precautions - to solidify your foundation.

  2. Engineering Controls and Safety-Engineered Devices -

    Engineering controls such as self-sheathing needles and retractable syringes cut percutaneous risks by over 50% (NIOSH). Practice identifying devices on the needlestick injury prevention quiz to learn how cutting-edge tools protect you and patients. Remember the mnemonic "SAFE" (Sharps-free, Automatic, Fail-safe, Engineering) to recall essential device features.

  3. Sharps Disposal Best Practices -

    Always dispose of used needles immediately in a labeled, puncture-resistant container at the point of use, as recommended by the CDC. This technique is core to any needle stick safety training and boosts your quiz performance on disposal protocols. Keeping containers no more than three-quarters full prevents overfilling mishaps and maximizes safety.

  4. Work Practice Controls and Handling Techniques -

    Implement hands-free recap methods and avoid manual recapping to adhere to OSHA standards and ace the needlestick safety training section. Use the "SHARP" mnemonic (Select device, Handle carefully, Avoid recapping, Report mishaps, Practice PPE) to remember key steps. Regular practice enhances muscle memory and confidence for the needle stick handling quiz.

  5. Post-Exposure Management and Reporting -

    If a needlestick injury occurs, immediately wash the area with soap and water and report to your supervisor - this procedure is a cornerstone of the needlestick injury prevention quiz. Know the timeline for medical evaluation (ideally within 2 hours) as per OSHA and CDC recommendations. Documenting incidents accurately supports workplace safety and your certification journey.

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