Spill clean-up procedure

Spill inside the Laboratory

Clear spill area of all personnel. Wait for any aerosols to settle before entering the spill area. 

Remove any contaminated clothing and place in biohazard bag for further processing by laundry. Wear a disposable gown or lab coat, safety goggles and gloves. Have a complete biological spill kit ready to go before you start the clean-up. 

Initiate clean-up with disinfectant as follows: 

  • Cover spill with paper towels or other absorbent material containing disinfectant.
  • Encircle the spill with disinfectant (if feasible and necessary), being careful to minimize aerosolization. Allow 15 min for the disinfectant to act.
  • Decontaminate and remove all items within spill area. Remove broken glassware with forceps or broom and dustpan and dispose in sharps container. Do not pick up any contaminated sharp object with your hands.
  • Remove paper towels and any other absorbent material and dispose in biohazard bags.
  • Apply disinfectant to the spill are and allow for at least 10 minutes contact time to ensure germicidal action of disinfectant.
  • Remove disinfectant with paper towels or other absorbent material and dispose of in biohazard bad.
  • Wipe off any residual spilled material and reapply disinfectant before final clean up.
  • Wipe equipment with equipment compatible disinfectant (e.g., non-corrosive). Rinse with water if necessary.
  • Place disposable contaminated spill materials in biohazard bags for autoclaving.
  • Place contaminated reusable items in biohazard bags, or heat resistant pans or containers with lids before autoclaving. 
  • Reopen area to general use only after spill clean-up and decontamination is complete.
  • Inform all personnel and laboratory supervisor about the spill and successful clean up as soon as possible.