If you discover broken glass in a storage area, what is the first action?

• A. Stop using the area
• B. Call the janitor after hours
• C. Ignore it
• D. Stop using the area and isolate the glass, safely remove it, clean and sanitize the area, and dispose of broken pieces

Answer: (D)

The first action is safety: stop work in the area to prevent anyone from getting cut. Then isolate the hazard so others don’t touch or step on any shards. Carefully remove the broken glass using protective gloves and the appropriate tools, avoiding bare hands and, if possible, using a dustpan or tongs to lift pieces. After the large pieces are gone, clean the area to pick up smaller shards and fine fragments. Finally, sanitize the surface to remove any residue and dispose of all broken pieces in a rigid, sealed container. This sequence protects people from injury and ensures the area is safe and sanitary before resuming work.