When disposing of biohazard waste, which is a critical first step?

When disposing of biohazard waste, a critical first step is to protect oneself and avoid contact with biohazardous waste. This is crucial because biohazardous materials can carry infectious agents that pose a risk to health. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection should be used to minimize exposure. Ensuring personal safety reduces the risk of contamination and infection during the waste disposal process.

Taking precautions before handling any biohazard waste is fundamental to safely managing such materials. Once protective measures are in place, proper disposal techniques can be followed, which may include notifying supervisors or properly separating waste, but these actions come after ensuring that personal safety is prioritized.