Infection Control Manual

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2007 Spillage Policy (81 kB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spillages

Key Points
All spillages must be cleaned up promptly Clearly define Nurse / Domestic responsibilities Proper protective clothing should be worn Specific action depends on the nature of the spillage Warning about dangers of chlorine There is a special policy for mercury spillages

Introduction

For the purpose of this policy a spillage may be defined as a leak or spill of blood or other body fluid from a patient, equipment, specimen, container or cadaver. All spillages present a potential infection hazard so they must be dealt with promptly.

Cleaning of Spillages

Responsibility for spillage cleaning:

Co-operation and flexibility between groups of staff in the removal of spillages is essential. However, the following staff should be responsible for spillage clearance in these areas:

• Nursing Staff: all wards, clinics and patient treatment areas
• Housekeeping/Patient Support Assistants or Non-nursing: all hospital corridors and public areas

Equipment Required:

Minimum information required on specimen label:

• A face visor is recommended
• Disposable cloths and towels or incontinence pads
• Yellow plastic sack.

Appropriate chemical disinfectant:

Proper materials for dealing with the spillage:

• For all BLOOD spills, (and any spillage from a patient suspected of being infected by HIV, HCV or HBV), use Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate granules directly or tablets in solution*, (eg 4 per 1 litre of a tap water = 10,000 ppm free chlorine). Read the instructions.
• For other body fluids (not indicated above) use a phenolic (Hycolin 2%) solution (if available) or 10,000 ppm free chlorine* as above.

*Chlorine fumes will be released when Chlorine-releasing (eg Haztab, or Presept) granules are used, so ensure the area is well ventilated. If possible, stay away from the spillage while the disinfectant is acting. Danger: do not put granules on urine spills until they have been mopped up."0">

• Action Required:

• Move patients and other workers away from the spillage while using dichloroisocyanurate
• Don protective clothing before handling the spillage and chemical disinfectant; use domestic gloves
• Cover the spillage with the appropriate disinfectant; leave to act for a minimum of 5 minutes
• Mop up the spillage using disposable cloths or wipes until the area is visibly clean
• Dispose of wipes and protective clothing in yellow plastic sack; seal sack and send for incineration; label with biohazard tape if appropriate
• Wash and dry hands thoroughly
• Contact Domestic Staff to "spot" clean area with general purpose detergent
• Note that chlorine solutions tend to leave floors slightly sticky or slippery

Carpets

Clean up spillage as far as possible using paper towels and incontinence pads. Arrange with Housekeeping/Patient support to steam clean carpet as soon as possible. Move patients away from the area. (Chlorine releasing preparations will bleach carpets).

Accidents or Incidents

If an accident (e.g. cut) occurs whilst dealing with the spillage, follow the SHARPS policy: Ensure that First Aid is received locally or in the Accident and Emergency Department. Complete an incident form and report the incident to your manager or nurse-in-charge.

 

Cleaning Mercury Spillages

Read more

 

References

Gardner J, Peel M Introduction to Sterilisation, Disinfection and Infection Control. 1991 Churchill Livingstone, Melbourne

Cooper T. Blood spills the evidence. Nursing Times 1999; 95 :65,68

Guidance for Clinical health Care Workers: Protection against Infection with Blood Borne Viruses. Recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS and the Advisory Group on Hepatitis. 1998 Department of Health, London

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. Approved Codes of Practice 1994. Health and Safety Commission

 

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