The broken glass is classified into which of the following categories of waste according to BMW Rules 2002?

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

According to Biomedical Waste (BMW) Management guidelines, broken glass is classified as a sharp waste that requires specific handling.
This type of waste, along with other discarded glassware like medicine vials and ampoules, is segregated into the Blue category.
The waste must be collected in a puncture-proof, leak-proof container (typically a cardboard box) that is clearly marked with a blue symbol to ensure safe handling and prevent injuries.

Option B: The Yellow category is designated for infectious waste such as human or animal anatomical waste, soiled dressings, expired medicines, and chemical waste.
Option C: The Black category is used for general, non-infectious waste, which is equivalent to municipal or household waste.
Option D: The Red category is reserved for contaminated recyclable waste, primarily plastics.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste (BMW) Segregation Categories as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper segregation of biomedical waste at the point of generation is a critical infection control practice to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the community from injury and infection.
Incorrect disposal of sharps like broken glass into general waste bags poses a high risk of puncture injuries and subsequent transmission of blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B & C) to sanitation staff.
What if? If the broken glass was a vial that contained a cytotoxic (chemotherapy) drug, it would still be segregated as a sharp, but it must be handled with extra precautions and disposed of in a specific yellow container marked with the cytotoxic symbol (C), to be sent for high-temperature incineration.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on national health and safety guidelines.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'broken glass'.
Next, recall the standard color-coding system for Biomedical Waste (BMW) Management.
Associate different types of medical waste with their designated container color. Remember that sharp objects that can cause punctures, like glass, require special containers.
Match the waste type (broken glass) to the correct color category. The blue category is specifically designated for glassware and metallic implants.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 180-182

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 109-111

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 191-193

Practise the full DSSSB 13 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.