Universal Precautions
Barrier protection should be used at all times to prevent skin and mucous membrane
contamination with blood, body fluids containing visible blood, or other body fluids
(cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and amniotic fluids, semen and
vaginal secretions).
Barrier protection should be used with ALL tissues.
The type of barrier protection used should be appropriate for the type of
procedures being performed and the type of exposure anticipated. Examples
of barrier protection include disposable lab coats, gloves, and eye and face
protection.
Gloves are to be worn when there is potential for hand or skin contact with
blood, other potentially infectious material, or items and surfaces
contaminated with these materials.
Wear face protection (face shield) during procedures that are likely to
generate droplets of blood or body fluid to prevent exposure to mucous
membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
Wear protective body clothing (disposable laboratory coats (Tyvek)) when
there is a potential for splashing of blood or body fluids.
Wash hands or other skin surfaces thoroughly and immediately if
contaminated with blood, body fluids containing visible blood, or other body
fluids to which universal precautions apply.
Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed.
Avoid accidental injuries that can be caused by needles, scalpel blades,
laboratory instruments, etc. when performing procedures, cleaning
instruments, handling sharp instruments, and disposing of used needles,
pipettes, etc.
Used needles, disposable syringes, scalpel blades, and other sharp items
are to be places in puncture resistant containers marked with a biohazard
symbol for disposal.
All specimens of blood and body fluids should be put in a well-constructed
container with a secure lid to prevent leaking during transport.
For routine procedures, such as histologic and pathologic studies or
microbiologic culturing, a biological safety cabinet is not necessary. However,
biological safety cabinets should be used whenever procedures are
conducted that have a high potential for generating droplets. These include
activities such as blending, sonicating, and vigorous mixing.
Mechanical pipetting devices must be used for manipulating all liquids in
the laboratory.
Laboratory work surfaces must be decontaminated with an appropriate
chemical germicide after a spill of blood or other body fluids and when work
activities are completed.
Contaminated materials used in the laboratory should be decontaminated
before reprocessing or be placed in bags or other containers and disposed of
according to Health & Safety procedures.
Equipment that has been contaminated with blood or other body fluids must
be decontaminated and cleaned before being repaired in the laboratory
or transported to the manufacturer
Personal Injury Response
Hazardous Material Splashed in Eye
1. Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water
continuously for 15 minutes.
2. Forcibly hold eye open to ensure effective wash behind eyelids.
3. Obtain medical attention.
4. Report incident to supervisor.
Radiological Spill on Body
1. Remove contaminated clothing.
2. Rinse exposed area thoroughly with water.
3. Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
4. Report incident to supervisor and Radiation Safety Officer.
Chemical Spill on Body
1. Flood exposed area with running water from faucet or safety shower
for approximately 15 minutes.
2. Remove contaminated clothing at once.
3. Make sure chemical has not accumulated in shoes.
4. Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
5. Report incident to supervisor.
Emergencies Involving Fire on Clothing
1. Roll person around on floor to smother flame, or drench with water if
safety shower is immediately available.
2. Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
3. Report incident to supervisor.
Biological Spill on Body
1. Remove contaminated clothing.
2. Wash exposed area with soap and water for approximately 15
minutes.
3. Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
4. Report incident to supervisor.
Minor Cuts and Puncture Wounds
1. Wash injury with soap and water for several minutes.
2. Obtain medical attention.
3. Report incident to supervisor.
Biological Spill Response
Biological spills outside biological safety cabinets will generate aerosols
that can be dispersed in the air throughout the laboratory. Wait 30
minutes prior to initiating spill clean up to allow aerosols to settle or be
removed by the ventilation system.
BSL 1 Level Spill
1. Wear disposable gloves.
2. Soak paper towels in disinfectant and place over spill area.
3. Place towels in plastic bag for disposal.
4. Clean spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
BSL 2 Level Spill
1. Alert people in immediate area of spill.
2. Put on protective equipment.
3. Cover spill with paper towels or other absorbent materials.
4. Carefully pour a freshly prepared 1 in 10 dilution of household bleach
around the edges of the spill and then into the spill. Avoid splashing.
5. Allow a 20-minute contact period.
6. Use paper towels to wipe up the spill, working from the edges into
the center.
7. Clean spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
8. Place towels in a plastic bag and decontaminate in an autoclave.
Emergency codes
Code Black: Someone is armed and is a threat to themselves and/or others.
Code Black: Someone is unarmed, but is a threat to themselves and/or
others.
Code Blue: life-threatening medical emergency.
Code Brown: external emergency (disaster, mass casualties etc.)
Code Orange: evacuation.
