Infectious Waste Spill Clean-Up Procedure

Emergency (Fire, Ambulance, Police) – 911
Environmental Health & Safety – Biosafety Officer – 740-593-1662
Environmental Health & Safety – Main Office – 740-593-1666
For Off-Hours – Ohio University Police Department – 740-593-1911 (OUPD has off-hours contact information for EHS.)

  1. Restrict access to the spill area and inform others of the spill. Get help, if needed.
  2. Prepare the disinfecting solution.
    • For bleach solutions use: 10% household bleach in water (10% by volume)
    • For other disinfectants include the instructions here:
  3. Get personal protective equipment (PPE) and spill clean-up supplies. Put on the PPE.
    • Gloves and other PPE are located:
    • Spill clean-up kit or supplies are located:
    • Infectious waste boxes & bags are located:
    • First aid kit is located:
  4. Use tongs or other tools to remove any sharps, broken glass, etc. from the spill. Place the sharps into a sharps container.
  5. Absorb the spill using the clean-up supplies, and place the used absorbent into an infectious waste container. Clean the spill of any gross organic materials, putting those materials into an infectious waste container.
  6. Lay absorbent, paper towels, or similar material on top of the spill. Pour the disinfecting solution onto the towels. Allow the disinfecting solution to remain on the spill area for the appropriate contact time. Add more solution if the spill area starts to dry.
    • 10% Bleach Solution Contact Time: 30 minutes
  7. Put all the disinfectant and absorbent material into the infectious waste container.
  8. Clean and disinfect any non-disposable items.
  9. Clean the spill area with water.
  10. Remove protective equipment, and wash hands.