Spill Response
Although one may take every measure to prevent a spill or loss of containment, unplanned events can and do occur. When responding to such situations, it is important to minimize the risk of exposure. This can be addressed by being aware of the risks associated with the agent, and ensuring a prompt and appropriate clean-up. In order to achieve the above mentioned goals it is important to have measures firmly in place which address the event of spills or a release of biological agents. The development of these measures involves the identification and evaluation of the following elements:
- The Spill Response Plan
- Risk Assessment
- Spill Kits
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Reporting
- General Guidelines
- Clean-up Procedures for:
- Spill Response Plan Template
i) spills occurring in a contained environment
i) spills occurring in an open environment (lab/ hallway)
iii) spills of blood and bodily fluids
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A well established, well thought out spill response plan is the key to successfully managing biological spills. |
| It is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator to ensure an appropriate spill response plan for their lab exists. Each individual must ensure they are familiar with all aspects of the spill response plan and the P.I.s should confirm this understanding. An effective spill response procedure should include the following; | |
- Names and contact information of individuals to be contacted in the event of a spill.
- Evacuation plans for the room or building.
- Instructions for containment and clean-up of the spilled material
- Inventory of spill kit equipment and personal protective equipment.
- Means for proper decontamination and disposal of cleanup materials and contaminated items (i.e. clothing or equipment).
It is of utmost importance to know the agents you are working with. Suppliers and or/MSDS sheets can provide detailed information on the characteristics of the agent as well as effective containment and clean-up procedures. Section VIII of Health Canada’s MSDSs addresses the specific spill requirements for each agent. When dealing with any biological spill the degree of risk and subsequent spill response are dependent on the following:
- What was spilled? (What are the physical characteristics and potential hazards of that particular organism?)
- How much was spilled? (What is the volume and concentration of the organism?)
- Where was the spill? (In a BSC, in the lab, outside the lab, in a centrifuge?)
- What is the potential for release to the environment? (Were aerosols or droplets generated?)
Spill kits are recommended for labs working with microbiological agents because they provide ‘one-stop shopping’ in the event of a spill. To prevent injury as well as to save time and resources, the most important considerations for spill kits are its location and contents. Kits should be strategically located at fixed positions close to the work areas so that they are easily accessible. Each spill kit should be tailored to meet the specific needs of each lab. It is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator to ensure a well thought out spill kit is readily available and maintained. However, while a prepared kit is ideal, it is recognized that the contents of a spill kit are often readily available in the lab and a formal kit may not be necessary. The following is a list of recommended items for biological spill kits;
- Concentrated disinfectant (i.e. bleach)
- Spray bottle
- Paper towels or another suitable absorbent
- Biohazard/Autoclave bags
- Sharps container
- Forceps (to pick up broken glass)
- PPE
Disinfectants other than bleach may also be used provided the disinfectant
is proven to be effective against the agents in use. If you are unsure,
or have any other questions regarding spill kits and decontamination please
contact the ORM.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to reduce exposure and contamination during a spill clean-up. Choosing the appropriate PPE is very important and depends on the characteristics of the biological agent (i.e. mode of transmission, infectivity). MSDSs can provide this information as well as recommend suitable PPE. As PPE has been more fully discussed under the heading ‘Infection Control’, this section will limit its comments to specific issues as they pertain to spill response.
To reduce exposure, one must protect vulnerable personal surfaces (i.e. skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract) by choosing appropriate PPE. To reduce personal contamination or transportation of contaminants beyond the laboratory, choose PPE that maximize coverage.
- Lab coats – knee length, long sleeved, closed cuffs (Note: risk of lab coat dragging through spill)
- Gloves – latex or nitrite, long cuffs to cover wrists and allow lab coat sleeves to be tucked in.
- Eyewear – degree of coverage dependent upon the risk of contact (i.e. slashes)
- Respirators – may be used when the risk of exposure to aerosols can not be addresses through other means.
- Shoe coverings - may be used when shoes risk becoming contaminated.
* PPE should de disposable or easily decontaminated (i.e. autoclaved). DO NOT reuse PPE unless decontaminated.
Spills must be reported as soon as possible to the following individuals/groups;
- the lab supervisor/Principle Investigator
- the ORM (562-5800 x 5892)
- Protection Services (562-5800 x 5411)
Reports should include:
Your name
- Exact location of spill
- Contact information where you can be reached
- Type of emergency
- The details and action taken
If any injuries occur as a result of a spill, an Accident,
Incident or Occupational Disease Report Form must be completed and
submitted to the Manager of Occupational Health, Disability and Leave.
Whenever a biological spill occurs, it is important to observe the following guidelines:
Stop what you are doing and assess the situation. (What is the nature of the spill, what is the extent of the spill, have I been contaminated?)
- Notify others working in the area, notify your supervisor. (For emergency situations or control issues call x 5411)
- Isolate the area. (Restrict access, keep doors closed)
- Clean the spill immediately to ensure proper decontamination and reduce the risk of infection unless there is a risk of aerosol or droplet formation, in which case evacuate the area immediately and wait 30 minutes prior to re-entry.
- Always wear Personal Protective Equipment when cleaning a spill.
- All spills must be reported.
- If you must leave the scene at any time, you must leave a note/sign informing others of the spill and include the time you left and plan to return.
Additional assistance is available from:
The Environmental Health and Safety Service at x 5892
- The Emergency Response Team via x 5411
- Your departmental Environmental Health and Safety Officer
The following procedures are basic spill clean-up procedures; it is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator to ensure appropriate procedures for the materials commonly used in the lab are available.
Spills occurring in a contained environment: Spills that are contained (i.e. in BSCs, centrifuges, etc.) are not as precarious since they are already confined to a small area. Nonetheless, care must be taken to ensure the spill remains confined and that equipment is not contaminated. The possibility of aerosol generation must also still be evaluated as this will impact the risk of exposure and degree of contamination resulting from the settling of aerosols or droplets.
Spills within a biological safety cabinet
- Leave the ventilation on
- All items within the cabinet should be disinfected (Walls and surfaces wiped down, equipment wiped down and/or autoclaved)
- Cover the spill area with paper towels or absorbent material
- Soak the spill area with an appropriate disinfectant (i.e. 10% bleach). Pour the disinfectant from the outside surface of the absorbent material towards the inside.
- Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes
- Pick up with absorbent material
- All waste should be autoclaved
- Ventilation should run 10-15 minutes
- * If the spill overflows onto the interior of the BSC contact the ORM as a more extensive decontamination may be required.
Spills within a centrifuge
- Leave lid closed and allow aerosols to settle for at least 1 hour (ensure centrifuge is off)
- Notify others in the lab not to use the centrifuge (include signage) and inform the lab supervisor
- If possible move the centrifuge or at least the rotors and buckets to a BSC
- Disinfect the centrifuge or rotors and buckets in an appropriate disinfectant, allow at least 20 to 30 minutes of contact time.
- Carefully retrieve any broken glass from inside the centrifuge using forceps and place in a sharps container.
- Drain the disinfectant.
- Thoroughly wipe down the inside of centrifuge and all parts including the lid with paper towels soaked in disinfectant
- Rinse both the rotors and the inside of the centrifuge with water if bleach was used.
- All waste should be autoclaved
Spills occurring in an open environment: Spills that occur in an open environment, in the lab or outside the lab during transport for example, are especially hazardous because of the potential for aerosol dispersion. Contact Protection Services (x 5411) when an element of command and control is required. Protection Services will also dispatch the ERT if the spill warrants it or the clean-up is beyond your capabilities.
Spills outside of a biological cabinet, in a laboratory
- Notify others.
- If an aerosol is generated (or the risk exists), hold your breath and quickly leave the lab. Close the door and post a warning sign. Evacuate the area for at least 30 minutes to allow aerosols to settle.
- Remove any contaminated clothing. For more hazardous substances place the contaminated clothing in an appropriate bag for autoclaving.
- Thoroughly wash exposed skin with soap and water.
- Assemble cleaning supplies and PPE
- Cover the spill area with paper towels or absorbent material
- Using an appropriate concentrated disinfectant cover the spill area. Pour disinfectant from the outside, towards the inside of the spill.
- Pick up any broken glass with forceps and place in a sharps container.
- Cover with absorbent material. For more hazardous substances, allow the disinfectant to act for 20 minutes.
- All adjacent areas should also be disinfected or wiped down.
- All waste should be autoclaved.
- S Spills occurring during transport
- Clean-up must be initiated immediately (as hallways are not negatively pressured)
- Follow directives for spills occurring in an open environment.
Spills of Blood and Bodily Fluids
Procedures for clean-up of blood and bodily fluid spills are available on the ORM web page.
This template provides a basic spill response plan. It has been designed so you can add lab specific information. Please feel free to personalize this plan to your laboratories needs and post it in your lab.