Blood and body fluid spills
Spills should be isolated and managed promptly using the workplace spill procedure.
Treat every spill as infectious
Blood, vomit, urine, faeces and other body fluids can carry germs including bloodborne viruses. Treat every spill as potentially infectious, deal with it promptly, and follow your workplace's spill procedure and spill kit.
Step by step
Isolate the area so nobody walks through it. Collect the spill kit and put on PPE suited to the size of the spill — at least gloves, and an apron and eye protection if splashing is possible.
Contain and absorb the spill with paper towels or the absorbent granules from the kit, and remove the bulk material into a waste bag. Clean the area with detergent and water, then apply disinfectant if your procedure requires it and leave it for the stated contact time.
Dispose of waste and PPE according to your workplace's waste procedure, then clean your hands. Report the spill if your workplace requires it.
If you are exposed
If blood or body fluid gets into your eyes, mouth, a cut, or you have a needlestick injury: wash the area with soap and water (or rinse eyes and mouth with water), report it to your supervisor immediately, and follow your workplace's exposure procedure. Timely medical assessment matters.
Key points
Keep people away and collect the spill kit.
Wear PPE suited to splash and contact risks.
Remove bulk material, clean, disinfect if required, dispose safely and clean your hands.
Isolate
Contain and clean
Dispose and report
In aged care
Aged care
Continence-related spills are common — keep a spill kit stocked and easy to find on each wing.
Common mistakes
- Cleaning a spill without gloves 'because it's small'.
- Spreading the spill with a mop before removing the bulk material.
- Not reporting a splash to the eyes or a needlestick injury.
On the job
Follow your workplace procedures, product instructions and supervisor guidance. If you are unsure, stop and ask before continuing the task.
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