Safety & Environmental Management

Bloodborne Pathogens Spill Cleanup Procedures

• Put on gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).  Appropriate PPE may include safety glasses or splash goggles, lab coats, masks and face shields. If disposable gloves are used, it is suggested that two pair of gloves be donned.  Outer glove can then be readily removed if soiled with hand protection still provided by inner glove.


• Remove any broken glass or sharp objects from the spill using mechanical means – forceps, hemostats, needle-nose pliers, broom and dust pan.  Never remove sharps/broken glass by hand.


• Contain the spill by covering with paper towels and carefully pour appropriate disinfectant solution  (e.g. 1:10 to 1:100 freshly prepared dilution of household bleach) around and on the spill.  Take care not to splash disinfectant solution or create aerosols while pouring. Bleach solutions must be freshly prepared (within 24 hours) to provide acceptable disinfection. Note: UW-Green Bay Operations currently uses M Twist-n Fill #25 HB Quat Disinfectant (EPA approved) for BBP spill clean up.  This product has an extended shelf life.


• Remove the paper towels and repeat the process until all visual soilage is removed.


• Re-wet cleaned area with disinfectant and air dry or let stand for 10 minutes before wiping dry.


• Place all contaminated paper towels in a “red bag” or an autoclave bag for appropriate disposal.  All contaminated sharps must be placed in a sharps container. Waste bags and sharps containers should be brought to Health Services (SS 1400) or the Laboratory Science biology prep room (LS 455) for waste management.

  Contact persons for these areas:
  Health Services – Amy Henniges (ext. 2380)
  Biology Prep Room – Mark Damie (ext. 2417)

• Remove all PPE and immediately wash hands. Disinfect splash goggles and any other items/tools that are not disposable (e.g. needle-nose pliers, dust pans, etc.).