Spills of Biological and Infectious Materials
Procedure
First, determine the risk associated with the biological material and the size of the spill. A risk assessment should have been done BEFORE commencing work with pathogenic agents. Detailed information about a wide range of infectious agents is available. If any danger of infection or transfer to the environment exists, follow the procedures below.
- Vacate area for minimum of 30 minutes to allow time for aerosols to settle.
- Warn other people to keep out of the area (verbally and with signs).
- Remove all contaminated clothing.
- Wash exposed skin (hands, face).
- Notify laboratory supervisor.
- Assemble a clean-up team of three people: one observer AND two operators.
- Put on protective clothing/equipment. Information on glove selection is available.
- Assess extent of contaminated area.
- Pour disinfectant gently around the spill and mix gradually to minimise aerosol production. Select an appropriate chemical disinfectant, e.g. hypochlorite solution
- Lay paper towels impregnated with disinfectant over the spill.
- Wait 30 minutes.
- Transfer all contaminated objects to suitable containers for disposal.
- Decontaminate or autoclave protective clothing or equipment.
- Complete an incident report.