Disinfection of benchtops and equipment done daily or after equipment is used

Work surfaces must be decontaminated after work is finished and after a spill of potentially hazardous materials. Appropriate disinfectant with demonstrated efficacy against the target or indicator microorganisms should be used.

For BSL-2 microorganisms the chemical disinfectant must be EPA-registered for the destruction of Hepatitis B or be tuberculocidal.

The disinfectant must be applied to the contaminated surfaces in the concentration and for the time prescribed by the manufacturer to assure effective decontamination.

If bench paper or plastic backed absorbents are used, they should be discarded after use with potentially hazardous materials and the space beneath decontaminated.

References:

  • NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019.
  • BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859.
  • MSU Biosafety and Security Manual
  • MSU Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan

Corrective actions:

In the event of a spill or at the end of each workday apply (spray, squirt or pour) an EPA approved disinfectant at the correct concentration so the surface is visibly wet. Allow the contact time recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions for the organism of concern. Remove excess residual disinfectant with paper towels after contact time is reached (if using disinfectant wipes, allow to air dry).

Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants | US EPA