How can you safely snap an ampule to avoid injury?

Covering the neck of the ampule with gauze before snapping is the safest method to prevent injury. Ampules are often made of glass, and when they are snapped open, fragments can potentially cause cuts or injuries. The gauze serves as a protective barrier, containing any shards of glass and reducing the risk of direct contact with the sharp edges.

Using gauze not only provides a cushion that can help absorb the force when the neck is snapped but also offers a layer of protection for your fingers. This practice aligns with standard safety protocols to enhance protection while handling glass ampules.

While holding the neck firmly or tapping the neck before snapping may seem intuitive, these techniques can inadvertently increase the risk of breakage or cause the glass to shatter unpredictably. Similarly, using scissors could lead to uneven cuts and increase the likelihood of glass splinters causing injuries. Therefore, covering the neck with gauze is the method that maximizes safety during this procedure.