Incident Response Procedures

Connected Topics

Simple Spills & Releases Complicated Spills & Releases Biosafety Cabinet Failures Personal Injury or Illness Containment Failure

Complicated Spills & Releases

Complicated Spills first need to be identified as complicated. Ask the following questions:

• Is the identify of the biohazard unknown?
• Are multiple biohazards involved?
• Is the material highly infectious, aerosolized, toxic, or mixed with radioisotopes or chemicals?
• Did the spill occur in a public space, such as a hallway?
• Is the spill in danger of spread to other parts of the building, such as through the ventilation system?
• Are you unsure about how to clean this spill up?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions you have a Complicated Spill. The following procedures should be followed to respond to the Complicated Spill:

1. Hold your breath. Leave the area. Close the door behind you.
2. Warn fellow workers and supervisors in the immediate area.
3. Remove and place contaminated clothing (including shoes) into a Red biohazard bag at the door immediately after exiting.
4. Wash hands and face, or if facilities are available, shower. Use germicidal soap.
5. Place a Biohazardous Warning Sign to isolate the area.
6. If a Fire or Medical Emergency has occurred in conjunction with the spill call 911.
7. Call Environmental Health & Safety at (573) 882-7018 during the day, or MUPD at (573) 882-7201 during nights, weekends, and holidays.
8. Take defensive action to contain the spill if it is possible to do so without jeopardizing personal well-being.

Follow-up Response And Disinfection Actions

When the above immediate actions are accomplished, disinfection and clean-up will be directed by Environmental Health & Safety.