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Disinfection & Spillage
Disinfection:
- Effective disinfectants must be available for routine disinfection and immediate use in the event of spillage (see below)
- Appropriate disinfectants must be used according to manufacturer’s instructions (concentration, contact time etc.) to ensure they are effective
- Work surfaces should be regularly cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant
- All surfaces should be disinfected before any maintenance staff are permitted to work in the area
- All specimen containers, glassware and used equipment should be immersed in a suitable disinfectant before cleaning or disposal
- Used laboratory glassware and other materials awaiting sterilisation must be stored in a safe manner
- Pipettes, if placed in disinfectant, must be totally immersed
Spillage:
- Effective disinfectants should be available for immediate use in the event of a spillage (small or large)
- If a spillage occurs, keep calm and take any appropriate remedial action
- A minor spillage involving little splashing and limited to a small area should be handled by:
- applying disinfectant to the spillage (use of powdered disinfectants recommended to minimise generation of splashes)
- leave for an appropriate period
- mop up with disposable paper towels
- dispose of paper towels in an autoclave bag for inactivation
- Where a spillage involves personal contamination:
- wash immediately with water and soap
- shout for assistance if required
- report the accident on the appropriate form