To outline requirements for the safe clean up of blood or bodily fluids spills in order to minimize potential exposure to blood borne pathogens.
2. Scope
2.1 This procedure covers all staff in Athletics, Club 213, Health Centre, Housekeeping Services, Facilities Services, The Spa and staff trained as First Aiders or any staff who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids during the course of their job duties.
2.2 All blood or bodily fluids are potentially infectious.
2.3 Blood borne pathogens are microorganisms that cause diseases in humans and are present in blood and bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions or urine and feces, if visibly contaminated with blood. The blood borne pathogens of greatest concern are Hepatitis B and C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
2.4 Universal Precautions are the minimum standards of work performance to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens (See Section 4.1).
3. Responsibility
3.1 Supervisor’s Role:
Ensure that staff who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids are trained in spill clean-up and understand what measures they must take to protect themselves.
Ensure that appropriate materials are readily available to safely clean up spills.
Ensure that any blood or bodily fluid spill is cleaned up promptly and safely.
3.2 Employee’s Role:
When cleaning up a spill involving blood or bodily fluids use “universal precautions” and follow precautionary steps outlined in this procedure.
Immediately report all incidents of exposure or possible exposure to blood borne pathog
4. Procedure
4.1 Whenever there is a possibility of contact with blood or bodily fluids (e.g. spill clean-up, first aid treatment to wounds), use Universal Precautions. These include:
Vinyl, latex or nitrile gloves (Note: gloves are available in all First Aid kits – for location of kits see Emergency Response Plan ERP 005 Medical Emergency – Main Campus),
Safety glasses, if there is a risk of being splashed,
Protective clothing (lab coat or coveralls), if cleanup involves a large quantity of blood or bodily fluids,
Hand washing thoroughly with soap and water after an exposure, even if gloves are worn.
4.2 Disinfectants effective against viruses include:
5 minutes: reapply with a fresh wipe to maintain a wet surface for 5 minutes
Click on links to access the Safety Data Sheet
Never Mix Disinfectants!
Note: Food handling surfaces may require a final rinse with potable water. Refer to the disinfectant’s specification sheet.
4.3 Clean-Up Procedure
Don appropriate personal protective equipment (see 4.1)
Blot up any visible blood, bodily fluids or soil with paper towels or other absorbent materials. Dispose of in a plastic bag.
Cover spill area with paper towels or other absorbent material.
Carefully add an approved disinfectant, at the dilution indicated in 4.2, to the absorbent material, ensuring all the spilled blood or bodily fluids is covered with disinfectant. Never mix disinfectants!
Allow the disinfectant to sit in contact with the spill for the specific time indicated in section 4.2.
Wipe up the spill and place all materials in a plastic bag. If there are any sharp materials (e.g. broken glassware), use tongs or a dust-pan to pick up and remove these objects.
Dispose of sharp items safely to ensure others will not be inadvertently injured when handling this waste by placing in a “Sharps Container” or double bagging and placing directly into an exterior garbage bin
Note: in Kente building garbage bins are located off the Shipping/Receiving dock.
Reapply disinfectant to the spill area and wipe area with clean paper towels or other absorbent material.
Place all soiled materials, including used gloves, in a plastic bag, tie the bag shut and place in the garbage.
Note: When removing gloves grasp by the cuff and turn inside out. Ensure your hand does not contact the outside of the glove.
Wash and disinfect any reusable items (tongs, dust-pan) used during spill clean-up with a disinfectant listed in section 4.2.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
