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.