Environmental Health and Safety
SDSU Biosafety Manual
San Diego State University
BIOHAZARD CONTROL PROGRAM
Part XX:
Biohazard Spill and Emergency Response
A. BIOHAZARD SPILL CLEANUP PROCEDURES
A. BIOHAZARD SPILL CLEANUP PROCEDURES
The following procedures are provided as a guideline to biohazardous spill cleanup. In each of the following cases, depending on the size of the spill, notify everyone in the laboratory and call EHS at 619-594-6778. If a spill contains BSL 2 or higher containment material, or if the spill is considered too large or too dangerous for laboratory personnel to safely clean up, secure the entire laboratory and call EHS immediately for assistance.
1. Inside the Biosafety Cabinet
(a) Wait at least five minutes to allow the BSC to contain aerosols.
(b) Wear laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves during cleanup.
(c) Allow BSC to run during cleanup.
(d) Apply disinfectant and allow a minimum of 20 minutes contact time.
(e) Wipe up spillage with disposable disinfectant-soaked paper towels.
(f) Wipe the walls, work surfaces and any equipment in the cabinet with disinfectant-soaked paper towels.
(g) Discard contaminated disposable materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
(h) Place contaminated reusable items in biohazard bags or autoclavable pans with lids or wrap in newspaper before autoclaving.
(i) Expose non-autoclavable materials to disinfectant (20 minutes contact time) before removal from the BSC.
(j) Remove protective clothing used during cleanup and place in a biohazard bag for autoclaving.
(k) Run BSC 10 minutes after cleanup before resuming work or turning BSC off.
2. In the laboratory, outside the Biosafety Cabinet
(a) Call the BSO if the material is BSL 2 or greater.
(b) Clear area of all personnel. Wait at least 30 minutes for aerosol to settle before entering spill area.
(c) Remove any contaminated clothing and place in biohazard bag to be autoclaved.
(d) Put on a disposable gown, safety glasses and gloves.
(e) Initiate cleanup with disinfectant as follows:
(1) Place dry paper towels on spill then layer a second set of disinfectant soaked paper towels over the spill.
(2) Encircle the spill with additional disinfectant being careful to minimize aerosolization while assuring adequate contact.
(3) Decontaminate all items within the spill area.
(4) Allow at least a minimum of 20 minutes contact time to ensure germicidal action of disinfectant.
(5) Wipe equipment and reusable items with appropriate disinfectant.
(6) Discard contaminated disposable materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
3. Inside a centrifuge
(a) Clear area of all personnel.
(b) Wait 30 minutes for aerosol to settle before attempting to cleanup spill.
(c) Wear a laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves during cleanup.
(d) Remove rotors and buckets to nearest BSC for cleanup.
(e) Thoroughly disinfect inside of centrifuge.
(f) Discard contaminated disposable materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
4. Outside the laboratory, in transit
(a) To prevent a spill, transport labeled biohazardous material in an unbreakable, well-sealed primary container placed inside of a second unbreakable, lidded container (cooler, plastic pan or pail) labeled with the biohazard symbol.
(b) Should a spill occur in a public area, do not attempt to clean it up without appropriate PPE.
(c) Secure the area, keeping all people well clear of the spill.
(d) Call EHS at 619-594-6778 to assist in cleanup.
(e) Stand by during spill response and cleanup activity and provide assistance only as requested or as necessary.
This page last updated February 4, 2008
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