Mitigating Risk When Cleaning Blood, Spills & Bodily Fluids…

Cleaning up bodily fluids, faeces, or blood involves significant health risks for cleaners. Infectious diseases, pathogens, and viruses make health and safety a top priority for both the cleaners and future users of the area.

Immediate Actions…

  • Restrict Access: As soon as a spill is discovered, cordon off the contaminated area using warning signs, tape, or cones.
  • PPE Requirements:
    • At a minimum, wear gloves.
    • Depending on the spill severity, consider a mask and eye protection.

Disinfection Process…

  • Initial Treatment:
    • Apply a disinfectant or sanitiser to the affected area.
    • Allow the disinfectant to stand for at least 10 minutes.
  • Absorbing the Spill:
    • Sprinkle a powdered absorbent over the spill, starting from the edges and moving inward.
    • Wait for the absorbent to solidify the liquid. Apply more absorbent if necessary.
  • Spill Containment and Removal:
    • Use a disposable spatula or similar tool to collect the absorbed material.
    • Place the material in a plastic bag, along with the spatula.
  • Residual Cleaning:
    • Use disposable wipes or cloths to clean remaining residue.
    • Place used wipes in the same bag, seal it with a twist tie, and place it inside a second bag.
  • Final Disinfection:
    • Spray the cleaned area with disinfectant and wipe thoroughly.
    • Leave a light mist of disinfectant to air-dry for 10 minutes.
    • Keep the area restricted until the floor is dry.

Waste Disposal…

  • Place the sealed second bag inside a third bag marked with the universal symbol for infectious waste.
  • Remove and discard disposable PPE, turning them inside out, into the outermost bag.
  • Seal the outermost bag and dispose of it according to local regulations.

Post-Cleanup…

  • Non-Disposable Tools: Disinfect non-disposable tools like dustpans with wipes and disinfectant before storage.
  • Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with antimicrobial handwash. If a sink is not nearby, use an antiseptic alcohol hand rinse until proper washing is possible.

Products and Support
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Cleaning Systems Limited stocks all necessary products, including PPE, disinfectants, and cleaning supplies, to safely manage spills. Contact us for expert advice and product recommendations.