Exposures, Spills, Emergencies

Exposure to Biological Materials

An exposure may include needlesticks or sharps injuries, contact with broken skin, splash to the eyes, nose, or mouth, or other direct contact with potentially infectious materials.

If an exposure occurs:

1. Immediately perform first aid (e.g., wash affected skin with soap and water; flush eyes or mucous membranes with water for at least 15 minutes).
2. Notify your supervisor.
3. Seek medical evaluation promptly through Occupational Health or the designated after-hours provider.
4. Report the incident using our Incident Report Form.

Timely medical evaluation is essential, particularly for exposures involving human source materials.

Spills must be addressed promptly using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and approved disinfectants. Small spills that can be safely managed by trained laboratory personnel should be cleaned according to procedures outlined in the Biosafety Manual.

1. Assemble spill supplies and use appropriate PPE including lab coat, gloves, and eye or face protection.
2. Cover the area of the spill with absorbent pads or towels, and carefully pour disinfectant around the spill. Because the volume of the spill will dilute the disinfectant, a concentrated disinfectant should be used. Allow at least a 20-minute contact time.
3. Pick up any visible sharp objects with tongs and discard in a sharps container.
4. Wipe surrounding areas (where the spill may have splashed) with disinfectant.
5. Disinfect contaminated laboratory equipment as needed.
6. Treat contaminated spill supplies and PPE as biohazardous waste.
7. Wash hands with antiseptic soap and warm water.
8. Notify the PI/LM and EHS of the incident.
9. Complete an Incident Report Form and submit it to EHS.

For large spills or situations involving potential aerosol generation or personal exposure, secure the area and contact EH&S for assistance. 

1. If the biological material involved poses an inhalation hazard, avoid inhaling airborne material, and quickly leave the room.
2. Signal to others to leave, close the door, and post a warning sign. No one should enter the laboratory for 30 minutes.
3. Go to a support space or adjacent laboratory. Avoid the hallway and publicly-accessed areas.
4. Remove contaminated PPE and clothing, turning exposed areas inward, and place in a biohazard bag.
5. Call GUPD for medical assistance, when needed.
6. Notify the PI/LM and EHS of the incident.
7. Complete an Incident Report Form and submit it to EHS.

For non-life-threatening laboratory emergencies involving biohazardous materials, contact EH&S for guidance. If a spill poses imminent danger to health and safety and cannot be isolated or contained, evacuate the area and contact GUPD by dialing (202) 687-4343 and provide the following information:

• Name and telephone number of the caller. 
• Location of the emergency (building name, room number, and building specific address, if known).
• Nature of the emergency (e.g., agent or material involved, fire, injuries).
• Special considerations (e.g., inhalation hazards present, potential for explosion, people trapped in rooms or buildings, number of people injured and type of injuries, electrical hazards, property damage, and access routes to the emergency).