Spill and Cleaning Protocol

Proper cleaning and waste segregation and disposal are essential for reducing risk of exposure to ancillary personnel and preventing environmental contamination.

Keep the following in mind when cleaning:

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Avoid using sprayers and pressure washers to clean treatment areas- this equipment generates aerosols and increases the risk of spray and splashes to the face
  • Use disposable towels for cleaning housing areas when possible
  • Clean the biological safety cabinet after doing a procedure or at the end of the day
  • Segregate your hazardous drug waste from regular waste and dispose of properly
  • Segregate potentially contaminated reusable items from other laundry for cleaning

Spill cleaning

  • Don the appropriate personal protective equipment. Identify the area with a warning sign to limit access.
  • Use hemostats or tongs to place any sharps or broken glass in the puncture resistant hazardous drug waste container.
  • Absorb liquid with paper towel or a spill pad.
  • Wet powders first and then use absorbent.
  • Put contaminated debris into a black pharmaceutical waste container.
  • Clean area with freshly prepared 10% bleach solution followed by 1% sodium thiosulfate.
  • Wash are with detergent and rinse with water.
  • Dispose of all contaminated materials and used PPE in a black pharmaceutical waste container.

Spill kit should include:

  • 2 pair chemotherapy-tested gloves
  • Utility gloves
  • Cover-all or gown & shoe covers
  • Face shield
  • Absorbent plastic-backed sheets or spill control “pillows”
  • Disposable towels
  • 2 sealable, thick plastic hazardous waste disposal bags with labels
  • Disposable scoop
  • Puncture-resistant container for broken glass

If spill is larger than 50ml vacate the area immediately and call EHS (517)355-0153.  After hours call MSU Police (517)355-2222 and ask for the hazmat pager.

Hazardous Drugs