Introduction
Cleaning up broken glass or other sharp objects can be dangerous if not done carefully. Sharp edges can easily cut skin and cause injury. However, with the right precautions, you can clean up broken glass safely.
Wear Protective Gear
The first step is to put on protective gear before starting to clean up. This includes:
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Thick gloves – Leather or other thick material gloves protect your hands from getting cut by sharp edges. Make sure there are no holes in the gloves.
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Closed toe shoes – Wear shoes that fully enclose your feet to prevent glass from cutting your feet or toes if you step on any shards. Avoid sandals or slippers.
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Safety goggles – Shattered glass can fling up into eyes. Safety goggles protect your eyes.
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Broom and dustpan – Use these to sweep up the larger pieces so you don’t have to pick them up with your hands.
Prepare the Area
Before starting to clean up, prepare the area:
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Remove any people or pets from the room. Broken glass and sharps can easily injure them.
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Close doors and block off the area so no one accidentally steps on the shards.
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Have a container ready to put the collected glass or sharps into. A cardboard box or plastic bucket works well.
Safely Pick Up the Pieces
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Carefully sweep up the larger pieces with a broom and dustpan first.
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Next, use stiff cardboard or cardboard at an angle to scoop up smaller shards. Avoid using your hands directly.
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For tiny splinters, use a wet paper towel to wipe the area and pick up any remaining slivers.
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Work slowly and methodically. Check the floor from multiple angles to make sure you have gotten everything.
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As you pick up pieces, immediately put them in your container. Don’t let shards accumulate.
Dispose of the Pieces Properly
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When done collecting all the pieces, seal up the cardboard box or bucket.
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Label it clearly as broken glass/sharps.
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Do not just put loose glass in the regular trash. This can injure trash collectors.
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Take the sealed container to a hazardous waste disposal site or recycling center that accepts broken glass and sharps. Many communities have special disposal days.
Clean and Disinfect the Area
Once all visible pieces are removed:
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Thoroughly clean the area with a vacuum cleaner to get any traces left behind.
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Use a wet mop or towels to wipe down the whole area. This will pick up tiny slivers.
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Disinfect the area if it was food or medical related glass that broke. Use diluted bleach solution or other disinfectants.
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When done, remove protective gear carefully to avoid touching contaminants. Wash hands.
Prevent Future Accidents
To avoid breaks in the future:
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Use shatter-proof materials instead of glass when possible.
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Install safety glass or apply safety film on glass doors, windows, and furnishings. This prevents it from shattering into sharp pieces.
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Store fragile items securely on low shelves or in sturdy containers.
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Supervise children and pets around glass items. Don’t let them run around with glass.
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Handle glass carefully, especially when washing or transporting it.
By following these safety steps, you can thoroughly clean up broken glass or sharps without injury. Take your time and be meticulous about picking up all pieces. Proper cleanup and disposal prevents cuts from accidental contact with leftover shards.
