Which practice is NOT recommended to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure?

The practice of sharing needles is not recommended to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure for several critical reasons. Needles can easily become contaminated with blood that may contain harmful pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. When needles are shared, there is a significant risk of transmitting these infections from one person to another. This practice directly violates the principles of infection control and safe handling of sharps, which are essential components of any bloodborne pathogen exposure prevention strategy.

In contrast, the other practices listed are crucial for reducing the risk of exposure. The use of personal protective equipment, like gloves and masks, serves as a barrier to protect individuals from coming into direct contact with blood or potentially infectious materials. Regular handwashing helps to eliminate pathogens that may be present on hands, thereby reducing the likelihood of transmission. Safe work practices include protocols like properly disposing of sharps and following standard precautions when handling blood, which are designed specifically to minimize exposure risks.