BIOLOGICAL SPILLS IN THE LABORATORY

Call the Chemical Hygiene Officer when a significant spill occurs. A lab incident report form must be filled out for a significant spill (found in Appendix C). A significant spill is defined as:

  • Spills greater than 5ml outside of primary containment
  • Spills that result in an exposure
  • Spills that present an inhalation hazard
  • Spills that cannot be easily cleaned
  • Spills that endanger people or the environment

SMALL SPILL (LESS THAN 1L) – DECONTAMINATION & CLEAN-UP

  1. Stop work and secure all items you are working with
  2. Replace any contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE)
  3. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate PPE such as disposable gloves, lab coat, and eye protection (safety goggles or glasses).
  4. Take absorbent pads and place over the spill area.
  5. Make a fresh solution of 10% bleach and pour over the absorbent pads. The absorbent pads absorb the spill, help to contain the 10% bleach and prevent splattering
    1. Let the bleach solution inactivate and decontaminate the biological material for 15 minutes.
    2. Soak up and clean up the excess bleach solution and decontaminated material with extra absorbent pads or paper towels
  6. Report the spill to Chemical Hygiene Officer. This is very important as Tusculum University maintain an ongoing log/list of spills and injuries as applicable and reports these as required.
  7. Dispose of in a biohazard container.

LARGE SPILL (GREATER THAN 1L) – DECONTAMINATION & CLEAN-UP

  1. Stop work immediately, secure all items and avoid inhaling airborne aerosols.
  2. Notify others to leave the room immediately.
  3. Label the area off-limits for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ventilation system to purge the air.
  4. Remove contaminated PPE and/or clothing, turn exposed clothing inward, and put in autoclave or biohazard container
  5. Wash all exposed skin with soap and water.
  6. Report the spill to the Chemical Hygiene Officer. This is very important as Tusculum University maintains an ongoing log/list of spills and injuries as applicable and reports these as required.
  7. After at least 30 minutes, Biosafety personnel will enter the area to clean up the spill.