Standard Operating Procedure
Title: Biological spill clean-up
Objective
This procedure illustrates how to clean up a biological spill in the microbiology
laboratory at Centennial College
Materials
Appropriate PPE: Nitrile gloves, face mask, safety glasses, lab coat, enclosed
shoes
Biohazard bag
Dust pan and broom
Citrus disinfectant
Masking tape
Responsibilities and authorities
It is the responsibility of the designated Laboratory staff/faculty/students to
ensure the correct procedure is used to clean up biological spills in the
laboratory. Appropriate PPE and precautions must be taken as per the following
procedure.
Procedure
Proper PPE must be worn prior to spill clean-up. Ensure nitrile gloves, face
mask, safety glasses, lab coat and enclosed shoes are worn.
Notify the lab staff and/or teacher when a biological spill occurs
When a spill occurs where glass is broken, gently surround and cover the spill
with 1.6% citrus disinfectant (to avoid splashing, ensure that the disinfectant is
poured and not sprayed)
Cover the spill with paper towel to contain the spill and serve as a visual notice
(Use a biohazard warning sign as well)
Ensure the disinfectant is left for 30 minutes
After 30 minutes, clean spill up by using a dust pan and broom to pick up any
broken glass and place in an autoclave bag. Place paper towel in bag as well.
After glass and paper towel are placed in bag, still wearing gloves, pour more
disinfectant on the spill area and wipe clean. Place paper towel in same
autoclave bag.
Once the spill is cleaned up, place gloves into the autoclave bag with the broken
glass and paper towel and secure with tie. Using masking tape, label the
autoclave bag with “broken contaminated glass” and take the bag using a
biohazard bucket and cart to the autoclave area in room 448.
*Please contact laboratory staff for any question or concerns.
Revision date: April 2019 Lab locations: 444-456
Author: Bernice McMinniman
