Page 23 - Participant Manual

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces and Equipment

Reusable equipment and surfaces that have been contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious
materials need to be properly cleaned and disinfected before the equipment is put back into service or the
area is reopened. Clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment as soon as possible after the incident occurs.
Remember to wear appropriate PPE.
If blood or other potentially infectious materials have spilled on the floor or another surface, prevent others from
accessing the area. If the spill contains a sharp object (e.g., shards of broken glass), do not pick the object up
with your hands. Instead, use tongs, a disposable scoop and scraper, or two pieces of cardboard to remove
and dispose of the object. Wipe up or absorb the spill using absorbent towels or a solidifier (a fluid-absorbing
powder). After wiping up the spill, flood the area with a freshly mixed disinfectant solution of approximately
1½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water (1 part bleach to 9 parts water, or about a 10 percent solution). When
using a bleach solution, always ensure good ventilation and wear gloves and eye protection. Let the bleach
solution stand on the surface for at least 10 minutes. Then use clean absorbent materials (such as paper
towels) to wipe up the disinfectant solution and dry the area. Dispose of all materials used to clean up the
blood spill in a labeled biohazard container. If a biohazard container is not available, place the soiled materials
in a sealable plastic bag or a plastic container with a lid, seal the container and dispose of it properly.

© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.

Handling an Exposure Incident

If another person’s blood or other potentially infectious material comes into contact with your eyes, the
mucous membranes of your mouth or nose, or an opening or break in your skin, or if you experience
a needlestick injury, then you have been involved in an exposure incident. In the event of an exposure
incident, follow these steps immediately:

■ Decontaminate the exposed area. If your skin ■ Report the exposure incident to EMS personnel
was exposed, wash the contaminated area or your healthcare provider.
with soap and water. For splashes into your
mouth or nose, flush the area with water. For ■ If the exposure incident occurred in a workplace
splashes into the eyes, irrigate the eyes with setting, notify your supervisor and follow your
water, saline or a sterile irrigant for 15 to company’s exposure control plan for reporting the
20 minutes. incident and receiving post-exposure follow-up
care.

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