How to Clean Up Blood Spills in a Laboratory

Spills of various kinds are common in laboratories. If you are dealing with blood, however, special care must be taken because of its ability to transmit diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. The procedure for blood spills in the lab varies depending upon how much blood has actually been spilled.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• 10 L. bucket
• Leak-proof bags
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Eye protection
• Plastic apron
• Mop
• Cleaning agent
• Bleach

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Instructions

Small Spills

• 1

  Obtain two to three paper towels.

• 2

  Place gloves on your hands to prevent contamination.

• 3

  Soak up the spill with the paper towels.

• 4

  Spray the area with warm water and a cleaning agent.

• 5

  Dry the area with another paper towel to avoid further contamination.

Large Spills

• 6

  Put on gloves, eye protection, and an apron.

• 7

  Prepare a bucket of hot water and cleaning solution.

• 8

  Carefully flush the blood into the drainage system with some of the water and solution.

• 9

  Mop the entire area with more hot water and a cleaning agent.

• 10

  Allow the area to air dry completely before it is used again. Completely wash the mop and bucket after each use with bleach.