Biological incidents

Version 1.1 Aug 2006

Needle-stick injuries, blood splashes, and other spills of potentially infective material require that the Building Emergency Controller be notified.

For small, contained spills, a solution of bleach and disposable paper towels can be used to clean up blood and other matter. Appropriate gloves should be worn. Waste materials should be disposed of in a labelled biohazard bag. When in doubt leave it as is and call the Safety Officer who will refer it to Cleaning Services.

For sharps, and instrumentation that is contaminated, use an appropriate sharps container or call Security on 46666. All Security Officers have access to sharps containers, and are trained in disposal of sharps. The officer will remove the item to the sharps bin. It is the responsibility of the BEC or delegate to arrange to clean the area with disinfectant. Cleaning Services can be contacted for more major clean up requirements.

Where infectious biological material may require the evacuation or barricading off of an area, the BEC should be notified. Maintenance can also be notified on 46000 to provide assistance. The BEC should remain in the area to prevent entry by unauthorised personnel until proper barricading can be set up.