Biochemical Spills Flashcards
What should you do if a spill includes broken glassware or sharps?
Use a brush and pan, and/or forceps
What is the purpose of spill kits?
Provides easy access to proper equipment and disinfectants at all times
List the 6 elements of a proper spill kit. (6)
- Disinfectant → made fresh daily or weekly depending on the type
- Forceps
- Paper towels
- Metal dustpans (autoclavable)
- Heavy duty polyethylene bags
- HEPA filter masks, shoe covers, and full PPE
Name 5 types of common laboratory disinfectants. (5)
- 1% hypochlorite or 1% Haz-Tab solution
- 2% glutaraldehyde
- Formaldehyde
- Iodine
- Chlorhexidine
What does 1% hypochlorite do?
Effectively kills HIV, HBV, HBC, bacteria, and fungi
How often should a 1% hypochlorite solution be made (technically)?
Daily
What is 2% glutaraldehyde and what is it considered? (2)
- High level and very potent disinfectant used on metal surfaces
- Considered a toxic product
Why is 1% hypochlorite not the ideal solution on metal and how should it be used on metal when necessary? (2)
- Corrosive on metal surfaces
2. Metal objects should be soaked for 15min, then rinsed very well with running water for 3-5min
What is formaldehyde and how is it used? (2)
- High level disinfectant and sterilant used in both liquid and gaseous states
- As a vapour, formaldehyde is used to disinfect large areas
What does 10% formalin (formaldehyde) do?
10% formalin liquid kills spores
When formaldehyde is used as a vapour, what safety precautions must be used? (2)
- Full mask must be worn at all times
2. Must have 2 people present at the same time
What do iodine and chlorhexidine do?
Eliminate/remove hepatitis B (HBV)
What are the steps in cleaning up spills on hard surfaces? (5)
- Isolate the area if possible
- Wear gloves
- Remove visible blood with paper towel
- Area should be decontaminated with appropriate germicide; apply based on manufacturer’s directions
- Dispose of all contaminated items in biohazardous waste
What are the steps in cleaning up small spills? (5)
- Cover spilled material with paper towel to avoid splashing
- Pour disinfectant onto paper towel in circular motion from the outside in
- Wait 15-30min
- Remove paper towel
- Repeat if required
What are the steps in cleaning up larger spills? (3)
- Hold breathe and inform others in the area
- Move away from the area for 10-30min to allow aerosols to disperse and settle
- Follow small spill procedure