When should you utilize tongs in a laboratory setting?

Utilizing tongs in a laboratory setting is particularly important when dealing with sharp objects and contaminated materials. Tongs provide a safer and more controlled means of handling these items, minimizing the risk of accidental cuts or puncture wounds from sharp objects. Additionally, when dealing with contaminated materials, tongs help to protect the user from direct contact with potentially hazardous substances, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to biological or chemical agents.

Handling sharp or contaminated items without proper tools can lead to injuries or exposure to infectious agents, making it crucial to use tongs in these specific situations. In contrast, the other scenarios mentioned—handling non-contaminated materials, pouring liquids, and cleaning up spills—do not pose the same immediate hazards, and different tools or methods may be more appropriate and effective for those actions.