Clean up of Blood and Bodily Fluids

• Blood-borne pathogens
• Bodily fluids

Physical:

• Sharps

Psychosocial:

• Psychological effects

• Hard hat
• Safety footwear
• Non-latex or vinyl gloves
• Safety Eyewear
• Masks (N95)
• Aprons
• Face Shield

• All Health and Safety Representatives must be competent and trained in this SJP.
• Ensure psychological support, such as access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), is available.

1. Wear protective equipment:
   1. Always wear gloves and safety eyewear before cleanup.
   2. Use additional PPE (e.g., aprons or face shields) if splashing is anticipated.
   3. A mask should also be worn to minimize the chance of ingesting any fluids
2. Contain contamination:
   1. Assign a “competent person” to supervise and conduct the cleanup. A “competent person” is defined as someone trained in bloodborne pathogen procedures.
   2. Block off the affected area until the cleanup is complete.

During Operation

1. Use proper cleaning products:
   1. Soap and water, bleach solutions, and alcohol-based cleansers are approved for cleaning.
   2. Confirm the correct bleach-to-water ratio (1:9) to prevent damage while ensuring effective disinfection.
   3. Isopropyl Alcohol Solution and Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide can also be used.
   4. Avoid mixing chemicals and cleaners and refer the SDS for more information.
2. Handle spills with absorbent materials:
   1. Use disposable materials (e.g., paper towels) for initial absorption. Transfer contaminated materials to biohazard bags.
   2. Prohibited: Do not use mops for blood or fluid spills until areas are decontaminated, as they can spread fluids.
3. Decontaminate equipment:
   1. Wash tools and equipment using soap, water, and disinfectants as appropriate to the material (aluminum vs. other metals).
   2. Sharp objects demand extra caution during decontamination.
4. Laundry cleaning procedures:
   1. Conduct laundry cleaning (e.g., soiled uniforms) in a designated area with hot water and detergent. Seal and label heavily soiled items as “biohazard” if outsourcing.
   2. Items can be placed in the sun for a few hours to also kill bacteria.

Post Operation

1. Dispose of used PPE and absorbent materials properly:
   1. All gloves, absorbent materials (e.g., paper towels, cloths), and other disposable PPE used during the cleanup should be safely discarded in a sealed plastic bag.
   2. Ensure the sealed bag is labeled and disposed of in accordance with biohazard disposal policies to prevent contamination or exposure.
2. Dispose of sharps securely:
   1. Use puncture-proof disposal containers labeled “biohazard.” For proper sharps-handling techniques to avoid accidental injury, review SJP for Handling & Disposing of Sharps.

What to do if Exposed to Blood or Bodily Fluids During Operation

1. Immediate actions:
   1. Flush the affected area with water as quickly as possible.
   2. If blood comes into contact with a particularly vulnerable area (e.g., mucous membranes, eyes), rinse with significant water volumes.
2. Report the exposure:
   1. Promptly notify your Supervisor who will complete an incident report. Document all exposed individuals, circumstances, and initial actions taken.
3. Seek medical attention:
   1. Ensure the exposed worker visits occupational health or medical staff immediately for evaluation.
   2. If a significant exposure (e.g., open wound, sharp puncture) occurs, ensure medical attention within two hours for preventative medication (e.g., post-exposure prophylaxis).

Post Operation

1. Monitor and follow up:
   1. Workers exposed to blood/bodily fluids should follow up with medical personnel for routine monitoring.
   2. Ensure workplace records are kept in compliance with health and safety guidelines.