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Spill cleanup (blood and chemical)
Also called: spill kit, blood spill kit
What to grab and do when blood or a chemical spills.
For a blood spill, CDC's steps are: put on gloves and other PPE, soak up the visible material with disposable towels, put them in a leak-proof labeled container, clean the surface, then disinfect it with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant (or a 1:100 bleach dilution if none is available). For a chemical spill, the product's SDS (Section 6) gives the cleanup steps.
How to spot it
- A labeled kit or bin with gloves, absorbent material, towels, a scoop, bags and disinfectant.
What it is used for
- Clean up promptly; OSHA requires prompt removal and disinfection of blood on surfaces.
Safety and care
- Wear utility gloves, eye protection and a mask for splashes; ventilate for chemical spills.
- Never pick up broken glass with your hands; use a scoop or tongs.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), OSHA. Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets (OSHA Brief 3514), OSHA. Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030