Emergency Preparedness: Emergency Response Guide
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BIOLOGICAL SPILL
Follow S.W.I.M.S
STOP and THINK. Stop Working. Stop the Spill.
Assess the situation:
- How big is the spill?
- Has it made contact with skin mouth, eyes, nose or personal clothing?
Warn Others
- Call x7911 or 9-911 if there is a medical emergency or danger to life, health or the environment.
- Alert people nearby
Isolate the Area
- Restrict access
- Determine the extent of the spill
- Keep doors closed
Monitor Yourself Carefully and Completely
- Check yourself for any chemical contamination or signs/symptoms of exposure (e.g., wet clothing, splashes on skin). NOTE: symptoms may be delayed
- For medical emergencies follow directions under the PERSONAL INJURY tab.
Stay In or Near the Area Until Help Arrives
- Minimize your movements
- Have person knowledgeable of incident assist Emergency Personnel
- Notify your Supervisor
You can Cleanup a Biological Spill if:
- You are aware of the hazards and cleanup procedures
- There is no potential for personal injury or environmental damage
- The appropriate spill cleanup equipment is available
- Two people can cleanup the spill thoroughly within an hour
otherwise
- Call x6999
Spill cleanup involving microorganism requiring BL 1 & 2 containment
- Wear disposable nitrile or latex gloves
- Use appropriate spill cleanup supplies for your area
- Cover spill with paper towels or other absorbent material
- Carefully pour a freshly prepared 10% solution of household bleach around the edges and then into the center
- Allow a 10-minute contact period, up to 20 minutes for human blood or fluids
- Use paper towels to wipe up the spill, working from the edges into the center
- Clean spill area with fresh paper towels soaked in disinfectant. Follow with water on metal surfaces
- Dispose of cleanup materials in an appropriate medical waste receptacle
Biological spill cleanup considerations
- Commercially available spill kits are available for non-laboratory locations
- Doors of affected area should remain closed
