Page 52 - qp_03

• Notify shipper and the consignee.
• Proceed with further handling of the package only if authorized and trained. Use
appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. disposable gloves)
• Follow established spill clean up procedures if required.

Spill clean-up procedures

Clean-up or disposal should only be carried out by a competent person. DO NOT
CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES UNLESS TRAINED OR
UNDER SUPERVISION OF A COMPETENT PERSON.

• Keep unauthorised personnel away.

• Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

• Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate
personal protective equipment and clothing.

• Be particularly careful to avoid contact with broken glass or sharp objects that may
cause cuts or abrasions that could significantly increase the risk of exposure.

• Cover the spill with a cloth or paper towels to contain it.

• Pour an appropriate disinfectant over the cloth or paper towels and the
immediately surrounding area (5% bleach solutions are generally appropriate, but
for spills on aircraft, quaternary ammonium disinfectants should be used).

• Apply the disinfectant concentrically beginning at the outer margin of the spill area,
working towards the centre.

• After about 30 min, clear away the materials. If there is broken glass or other
sharps are involved, use a dustpan or a piece of stiff cardboard to collect the
materials and deposit them into a puncture-resistant container for disposal.

• Clean and disinfect the area of the spillage.

• Dispose of contaminated materials into a leak-proof, puncture-resistant waste
disposal container.

• Obtain identity of substance involved and report the incident and decontamination
to the appropriate authorities.

• Detailed information on disinfectants and their recommended use can be found in
Laboratory biosafety manual, 3rd ed., Geneva, World Health Organization, 2004.

29