Biohazardous Spill Outside a Biological Safety Cabinet

Risk Group1 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.  Examine yourself for possible contamination.

If contaminated decontaminate yourself and resurvey. Thoroughly wash your hands and face.

Monitor the removed protective clothing.

If contaminated, isolate this waste and hold for disposal.

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.

The dust pan and squeegee should be autoclaved when they are no longer needed.

If you are working with a Risk Group 3 agent, or have spilled more than 100ml 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 contaminated garments into a container for autoclaving and thoroughly wash hands and face.

Wait 30 minutes before reentering area to allow dissipation of aerosols created by the spill.

Put on a long sleeved gown, mask, and rubber gloves before reentering the room.

To minimize aerosol production, 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 deep autoclave pan.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil or other suitable cover and autoclave according to standard directions.

The dust pan and squeegee should be placed in an autoclave bag and autoclaved according to standard directions. 

Contact of reusable items with non-autoclavable plastic bags should be avoided separation of the plastic after autoclaving can be very difficult