The following procedures are provided as a guideline to biohazardous/rDNA/sNA spill cleanup. If the spill is considered too large or too dangerous for laboratory personnel to safely clean up, secure the entire laboratory and call EH&S (723.0448) immediately for assistance.
Bleach is recommended as a standard disinfectant; however, other disinfectants may be used, provided they are effective against the particular agents. Disinfectants must be used at the appropriate dilution for the required minimum contact time.
1. Inside the Biosafety Cabinet
a. Wait at least five minutes to allow the BSC to contain aerosols.
b. Wear laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves during cleanup.
c. Allow BSC to run during cleanup.
d. Apply disinfectant and allow a minimum of 20 minutes contact time.
e. Wipe up spillage with disposable disinfectant-soaked paper towels. Do not place your head in the cabinet to clean the spill; keep your face behind the viewscreen.
f. Wipe the walls, work surfaces, and any equipment in the cabinet with disinfectant-soaked paper towels.
g. Discard contaminated disposable materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
h. Place contaminated reusable items in biohazard bags or autoclavable pans with lids before autoclaving.
i. Expose non-autoclavable materials to disinfectant (20 minutes contact time) before removal from the BSC.
j. Remove protective clothing used during cleanup and place in a biohazard bag for removal
k. Run BSC 10 minutes after cleanup before resuming work or turning BSC off.
l. Wash hands with soap prior to leaving area.
Note: If the spill overflows the drain pan/catch basin under the work surface into the interior of the BSC, notify EH&S. A more extensive decontamination of the BSC may be required.
2. In the laboratory, outside the Biosafety Cabinet
a. Evacuate Room – insure all personnel are accounted for and that doors are closed. Put notice on door informing personnel of spill and not to enter. Allow spill to settle (30 min.).
b. Assemble clean-up materials (disinfectant, paper towels, biohazard bags and forceps.
c. Put on appropriate PPE, including lab coat, shoe covers, gloves and eye/face protection.
d. Initiate cleanup with disinfectant as follows:
i. Place paper towels or other absorbent material over spill area
ii. Carefully pour disinfectant around the edges of the spill and then onto the paper towels. Avoid splashing or generating aerosol droplets.
iii. Allow disinfectant to remain in contact with spill for at least 20 minutes
iv. Apply more paper towels to wipe up spill
v. Clean spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
vi. Dispose of all towels or absorbent materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures. If any sharp objects are present, use forceps and discard in a sharps container.
vii. Remove protective clothing and segregate for disposal or cleaning.
viii. Wash hands with soap prior to leaving area.
3. Inside a centrifuge
a. Clear area of all personnel.
b. Wait 30 minutes for aerosol to settle before attempting to cleanup spill.
c. If a spill is identified after the centrifuge lid is opened, carefully close the lid, evacuate the laboratory and close the laboratory door. Remain out of laboratory for at least 30 minutes. Put notice on door informing personnel of spill and not to enter.
d. Wear a laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves during cleanup.
e. Remove rotors and buckets to nearest BSC for cleanup.
f. Thoroughly disinfect inside of centrifuge.
g. Discard contaminated disposable materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
h. Wash hands with soap prior to leaving area.
4. Outside the laboratory
a. To prevent a spill, transport labeled biohazardous material in an unbreakable, well-sealed primary container placed inside of a second unbreakable, lidded container (cooler, plastic pan or pail) labeled with the biohazard symbol, biosafety level and contact information.
b. Should a spill occur in a public area, do not attempt to clean it up without appropriate PPE.
c. Secure the area, keeping all people well clear of the spill.
d. Call EHS at 724.0448 to assist in cleanup.
e. Stand by during spill response and cleanup activity and provide assistance only as requested or as necessary.
f. Wash hands with soap prior to leaving area.
