Vomit, blood, urine, and bodily fluids are words we don’t really want to hear and definitely don’t want to clean up. All of these are examples of biohazards, and unfortunately they happen. People get sick and have accidents or get hurt. Bodily fluids are spilled and require prompt attention and careful cleanup.
While cleaning up biohazard spills, your health and safety are a top priority. Diseases such as the flu, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, TB, and Salmonella can all be transferred through bodily fluid. Special tools and proper protection are required for the job. Depending on the location of the spill, you may want to call in a professional maid service that will be properly trained to clean up biohazards.
Tools and Protection
Notify any other personnel in the area of the spill and recommend that they stay away until the hazard is cleaned and removed. Always assess the situation first. If someone is hurt or sick and needs medical attention, be sure to handle that before the cleanup.
Before beginning a cleanup of a biohazard spill, collect everything that you will need for the job. You’ll need a bag for disposal, paper towels and rags for cleanup, a disinfectant cleaner, and gloves for your protection. Depending on the location and type of the spill, you may also need protective shoe covers and safety goggles. If there are broken pieces of glass or other sharps, carefully contain these using forceps or a dustpan and put in a plastic container. Remember that your safety comes first, and it is better to be safe than sorry. Even if the person who vomited or bled is a close friend or family member, it is better to err on the side of caution. If the spill has occurred in a public place or office, consider hiring a professional maid service to clean the area.
Decontamination of Biohazard Spills
Decontamination is the process that reduces biohazardous material and infectious agents to an acceptable level. All bodily fluid waste and spills (vomit, blood etc) must be decontaminated for the safety of people in the area.
After you have on all of your protective equipment, cover the spill area with paper towels. Pour your disinfectant cleaner over the towels from the edges to the center. Be careful not to splatter. Allow thirty minutes for the disinfectant to sit on the spill and stain. Remove the paper towels along with the spill and put into a bag. When all towels and rags are in the bag, seal it fully and properly dispose. Wipe the entire area with the disinfectant cleaner including any objects that may have been exposed. Mop the floor thoroughly. If the spill occurred on carpet and potentially soaked through to the under pad, consider replacement or having a professional maid service clean the carpet. After the cleanup is finished, properly dispose of everything and wash your hands with antibacterial soap for 3-5 minutes.
Accidental Exposure to Biohazards
What happens if you accidentally are exposed? Don’t panic. If the biohazard has come in contact with your skin or eyes, flush thoroughly for 15 minutes with clean water. Wash your hands and skin with an antibacterial soap for 3-5 minutes. Call your doctor to explain the situation and assess any further action.