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Chemical
Biohazardous Spill Outside of a Biological Safety Cabinet
Determine prior to starting your research: which chemical
decontaminant(s) is compatible with the chemical(s) that may
become biologically contaminated and if the contaminated chemical(s)
can be autoclaved. Contact the Industrial Hygienist
(ext. 6218) for assistance.
Risk Group 1 Agents or small unconcentrated
(<100ml) of Risk Group 2 Agents.
Warn others not to enter the contaminated area.
Remove protective clothing (lab coat, gloves, etc.) and
isolate in a plastic bag or appropriate container.
Monitor yourself for radioactive contamination.
If contaminated, decontaminate yourself and resurvey.
Thoroughly wash your hands and face.
Monitor the removed protective clothing for radioactive
contamination. If positive, isolate this waste and
hold for disposal by the Radiation Protection Office.
To
minimize aerosolization, avoid pouring the decontaminant
solution directly onto the spill.
Pour a decontaminant
solution (1% iodophor or 10% hypochlorite are recommended)
around the spill and then place towels over the spill.
Soak the towels with the decontaminant.
Let stand 20 minutes to allow an adequate contact time.
Using an autoclavable dust pan and squeegee, transfer all
contaminated materials (paper towels, glass, liquid, gloves,
etc.) into a plastic bag.
Place the bag in the appropriate radiation waste container.
The dust pan and squeegee should be monitored for radioactive
contamination. Decontaminate and resurvey as necessary.
If you are working with a Risk Group 3 agent, or have
spilled more than 100 ml of a Risk Group 2 agent, hold your
breath, leave the room immediately, and close the door.
Warn others not to enter the contaminated area.
Remove and put in a container contaminated garments for
decontamination or autoclaving and thoroughly wash hands
and face.
If garments are chemically contaminated, autoclaving may
not be advisable, consult with an industrial hygienist .
If you have had to evacuate the laboratory, wait 30 minutes
to allow dissipation of aerosols created by the spill.
Consult your laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan for chemical
spill procedures.
If the chemical(s) in the spill present a greater hazard
then the biological agent(s) proceed with chemical decontamination
first.
Put on a long sleeved gown, mask, and rubber gloves before
reentering the room.
Use a decontaminant that is compatible with the chemical(s)
in the spill.
To minimize
aerosol production, avoid pouring the decontaminant solution
directly onto the spill.
Depending upon
the chemicals involved the now sterile material may have to
be disposed of via the hazardous waste disposal program.
If the chemical(s) are not autoclavable (or if you do not
know), then transfer the decontaminated, contaminated materials
into a screw cap container and call for chemical waste pickup
Contact of reusable items with nonautoclavable plastic
bags should be avoided separation of the plastic after autoclaving
can be very difficult.
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