Introduction
Dealing with spillages of blood and body fluids may carry a risk of exposure to blood borne virus or other pathogens. This risk will be minimised by following the precautions in this policy including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectant products.
Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures which should be taken following the spillage of blood, other body fluids and known contaminated material.
Responsibilities
Spillages of blood/body fluids must be cleaned up as quickly as possible by nursing/midwifery/department staff in clinical areas and by trained domestic Housekeeping staff in public areas.
For safety reasons all patients and staff not involved in clearing the spill, must be kept away from the spillage area until it has been effectively dealt with.
Policy Details
Download: | PDF version |
Compiled by: | The Infection Control Team |
Ratified by: | Clinical Governance Committee |
Date Ratified: | April 2018 |
Date Issued: | August 2019 |
Review Date: | March 2020 |
Target Audience: | All staff |
Contact name: | Ann Birler, Nurse Consultant / Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control |
See also:
- Inoculation Injury Policy
- Cleaning and Disinfection Policy
- Management of Healthcare Waste Policy