Biological Spill

Spill of BSL2 material or Human Blood

• Wear gloves and lab coat. If splashing is likely, also wear goggles and surgical mask.
• Use forceps to pick up broken glass and discard into Sharps container.
• Cover spilled material with paper towels.
• Carefully pour diluted disinfectant onto paper towels in sufficient quantity to ensure effective microbial inactivation.
• Allow a 20-minute contact period.
• Pick up paper towels and dispose in biohazard waste container.
• Re-wipe spill area with disinfectant diluted to working strength.
• Place all contaminated materials, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), into biohazard waste container and autoclave.
• Wash hands with soap and water.

Spill of BSL3 material

• Stop work. Alert others to evacuate laboratory immediately. Avoid inhaling airborne material.
• Close doors to affected area.
• Remove contaminated clothing turning exposed area inward, place in a biohazard bag.
• Wash hands and other skin contacted areas with soap and water.
• Notify PI. Call the Biological Spill Emergency Response Number 9-1-1 for help.
• Do not re-enter laboratory for at least 30 minutes to allow aerosols to disperse.
• Assemble all clean-up materials.
• Put on full Personal Protective Equipment (HEPA-filtered respirator, gown, gloves, shoe covers).
• Cover spill with paper towels or disposable pads. Pour diluted disinfectant onto paper towels.
• Leave the room for 30 minutes to allow the disinfectant to inactivate the material.
• Pick up any broken glass with forceps and dispose in Sharps container.
• Pick up paper towels and wipe the area again with an appropriate disinfectant.
• Place all contaminated materials, including disposable PPE, in a biohazard bag and autoclave.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Additional Site Instructions: Location of Biological Spill Response Kit: Location of Chemical Spill Response Kit: Location of nearest safety shower: Location of nearest eyewash: Location of telephone: