The following procedures are basic spill clean-up procedures; it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to ensure appropriate procedures for the materials commonly used in the lab are available. All major spills must be reported to the school safety officer using incident report form.

Spills in a contained environment

Spills that are contained (i.e. in BSCs, centrifuges, etc.) are not as precarious since they are already confined to a small area. Nonetheless, care must be taken to ensure the spill remains confined and that equipment is not contaminated. The possibility of aerosol generation must also be evaluated as this will impact the risk of exposure and degree of contamination resulting from the settling of aerosols or droplets.

Spills within a biological safety cabinet (BSC)

• Leave the ventilation on

• All items within the cabinet should be disinfected (Walls and surfaces wiped down, equipment wiped down and/or autoclaved)

• Cover the spill area with paper towels

• Soak the spill area with an appropriate disinfectant (i.e. 10% Clorox). Pour the disinfectant from the outside surface of the absorbent material towards the inside.

• Leave on for 30 minutes

• Pick up with paper towels

• All waste should be autoclaved

• Ventilation should run 10-15 minutes

• If the spill overflows onto the interior of the BSC contact the safety officer as a more extensive decontamination may be required.

 Spills within a centrifug

• Leave lid closed and allow aerosols to settle for at least 1 hour (ensure centrifuge is off)

• Notify others in the lab not to use the centrifuge (include signage) and inform the lab supervisor

• If possible move the centrifuge or at least the rotors and buckets to a BSC

• Disinfect the centrifuge or rotors and buckets in an appropriate disinfectant, allow at least 30 minutes of contact time.

• Carefully retrieve any broken glass from inside the centrifuge using forceps and place in a sharps container.

• Drain the disinfectant.

• Thoroughly wipe down the inside of centrifuge and all parts including the lid with paper towels soaked in disinfectant

• Rinse both the rotors and the inside of the centrifuge with water if bleach was used.

• All waste should be autoclaved.

Spills in an open area

Spills that occur in an open environment, in the lab or outside the lab during transport for example, are especially hazardous because of the potential for aerosol dispersion. Contact Campus Security (ext. 5200) when an element of command and control is required. If the spill and clean-up are beyond your capabilities call Campus Security and Fire Department.

Spills outside a biological cabinet in a laboratory

• Notify others.

• If an aerosol is generated (or the risk exists), hold your breath and quickly leave the lab. Close the door and post a warning sign. Evacuate the area for at least 30 minutes to allow aerosols to settle.

• Remove any contaminated clothing. For more hazardous substances place the contaminated clothing in an appropriate bag for autoclaving.

• Thoroughly wash exposed skin with soap and water.

• Assemble cleaning supplies and crew of three people: one observer and two workers.

• Cover the spill area with paper towels or absorbent material.

• Use an appropriate concentrated disinfectant cover the spill area. Pour disinfectant from the outside, towards the inside of the spill.

• Pick up any broken glass with forceps and place in a sharps container.

• All adjacent areas should also be disinfected or wiped down.

• All waste should be autoclaved.