Blood and Blood Contaminated Material Clean-up Procedures

Blood and blood contaminated material may contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause harm to exposed individuals. In order to reduce exposure to these bloodborne pathogens all Custodial/Housekeeping staff must use the following procedures when cleaning up blood.

I. Routine Cleaning: During the course of routine cleaning Custodians/Housekeepers may encounter small drops of blood and feminine hygiene receptacles with used products. If normal bathroom cleaning procedures are followed when dealing with these situations, there is no risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. If a situation arises in which you observe more that a few drops of blood, do not attempt to clean the area. Only Custodians/Housekeepers specifically trained as Blood Spill Responders should deal with these situations following the procedures listed below.

II. Response to Blood Spill/Incident:

1. The first step in responding to a Blood Spill is to select and don the appropriate personnel protective equipment. Always check PPE for tears or damage before wearing. Select the following PPE based on the situation.

Gloves: Mandatory for all blood clean-up.

Face Mask: Use if clean-up of blood is above chest level or when splashing may occur.

Disposable Coveralls: Use when splashing may occur.

Booties: Use if walking on blood contaminated area is unavoidable.

2. If any sharp objects or broken glass is contaminated with blood, remove objects with tongs or dust pan and place in a ridged sealable container, place container in a restricted access area, and call EHO for a pick-up.

3. Place absorbent powder or pad on blood. All liquid material should be completely absorbed into powder/pad.

4. Remove pad with gloved hand and place in garbage bag. Remove powder with scoop and place in garbage bag.

5. Spray a registered EPA disinfectant (ie. Aura HB, Virex TB, Crew NA) on contaminated area, let stand for several minutes and wipe clean with either: paper towel, disposable mop/sponge, reusable mop, or extraction device (if carpet or furniture is involved).

6. Decontaminate any reusable equipment by placing bucket of disinfectant solution and allowing it to soak. Dump waste water down sanitary drain.

7. Place all disposable clean-up material in garbage bag.

8. Remove PPE with caution, making sure gloves are removed last. Dispose of into garage bag and double bag all waste.

9. Wash hands and notify your Supervisor that a Blood Spill Kit was used for a clean-up.

Supervisors should replace any disposable equipment after each clean-up.