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 and the space beneath decontaminated.
References:
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019.
- Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 21- 1112, 5th Edition.
- MSU Biosafety 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) disinfectant at the correct concentration or use germicidal wipes so surface is visibly wet. Allow the appropriate contact time as recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions. Remove excess residual disinfectant with paper towels after contact time is reached (if using disinfectant wipes, allow to air dry).
In the table below are examples of approved disinfectants:
| Disinfectant | Contact time | Application | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70% Ethanol | 10 minutes | Apply and maintain surface wet | Need to make sure contact time is accomplished. As ethanol evaporates make sure surface is maintained wet for the 10-minute contact time. |
| 10% Bleach | 10 minutes | Apply and maintain surface wet | Prepare fresh daily |
| Virkon™ S tablets | 5 minutes | Apply and maintain surface wet |
Solution is good for 7 days. Leaves residue. Do not soak metal objects in Virkon™ S for long periods-10 minutes is maximum necessary contact time Bactericide, virucide, tuberculocide and fungicide http://virkon.com/products-applications/disinfectants/virkon-s-tablets/ |
| Sani-Cloth® Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloth | 3 minutes | Apply and maintain wet |
Disposable wipe Bactericide, virucide, tuberculocide and fungicide https://pdihc.com/products/environment-of-care/sani-cloth-plus-germicidal-disposable-cloth/ |
| Envirocide™ | 3 minutes | Apply and maintain surface wet |
Liquid ready to use Bactericide, virucide, tuberculocide and fungicide https://www.metrex.com/en-us/products/surface-disinfectants/envirocide |
| Cavicide™ | 3 minutes | Apply and maintain surface wet |
Liquid ready to use Bactericide, virucide, tuberculocide and fungicide https://www.metrex.com/en-us/products/surface-disinfectants/cavicide |
| TB-Cide® Quat | 3 minutes | Apply and maintain surface wet |
Liquid ready to use Bactericide, virucide, tuberculocide and fungicide https://www.spartanchemical.com/products/product/102103#product-safety |
| PeridoxRTU® | 3 minutes | Apply and maintain surface wet |
Liquid ready to use Sporicide, bactericide, virucide, tuberculocide and fungicide https://www.contechealthcare.com/products/peridoxrtu-sporicidal-disinfectant-and-cleaner/ |