NIA Intramural Research Program
Summer Program |
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| Biological Emergencies |
| In the event of a biological spill: |
- Notify others in the lab/area of the biological spill. Ask others to leave the area to avoid further contamination.
- For spills to skin, wash off with water, then scrub area vigorously with povidone iodine solution for 10 minutes.
- For splashes to eyes or other mucous membranes, irrigate for 15 minutes with water or normal saline.
- For spills affecting a large part of the body, remove contaminated clothing and wash all parts of the body which may have come in contact with the biological agent using copious amounts of water. Use Safety Shower if necessary.
- Contain spill with paper towel or other absorbent material. Avoid creating aerosols which can contaminate personnel and the area.
- Leave area for 20-30 minutes to allow aerosol droplets to drop out of suspension.
- Call the NIA IRP Safety Office, 410-558-8028 or GRC Security, 410-558-8119 to report spill and for any assistance.
- Use appropriate Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e., gloves, labcoat, mask, face shield, booties, and appropriate disinfectant, i.e., bleach, wescodyne, to clean up small spills only.
- Place all contaminated biological waste and cleanup materials in appropriate biological waste container, i.e., MPW box.
- Dispose of sharps in appropriate sharps containers.
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| Biological Biohazard Exposure - First Aid Response Actions: |
- Provide immediate first aid.
- Flush eyes, mouth and splash other mucous membrances using tap water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes. Use eyewash if available.
- Needle Stick: Milk wound to induce bleeding, then wash with soap and water for 15 minutes. Report all needle sticks immediately to the NIA IRP Safety Office, 410-558-8028.
- For non-intact skin or cuts, vigorously scrub for 15 minutes with povidone iodine solution, such as Betadine, and copious amounts of water.
- For intact skin or cuts, wash with soap and water for 15 minutes.
- Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin, and replace with clean clothing.
- Notify your supervisor immediately.
- Report incident to the NIA IRP Safety Office, 410-558-8028.
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| Biological Spill Response - Small Spill (<200 ml): |
- Leave room for at least 20 minutes to allow aerosol droplets to drop out of suspension.
- Protect body: Upon return to room, put on protective clothing, i.e., gloves, safety goggles, or glasses and labcoat.
- Neutralize spilled material with a 1:10 dilution of bleach, Wescodyne (Betadine) or other appropriate disinfectant for at least 20 minutes.
- Wipe down all equipment and surfaces potentially contaminated with a 1:10 dilution of bleach or Wescodyne (Betadine).
- Dispose of contaminated material as Biohazardous (MPW) waste.
- Contact the NIA IRP Safety Office, 410-558-8028, for assistance.
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| Biological Spill Response - Large Spill (>200 ml): |
- Place absorbent paper towels around spill to prevent further spread.
- Check for exposure to biological material.
- Initiate first aid, if needed.
- Leave room and close door.
- Post person by door to prevent re-entry. Do not allow re-entry for at least 30 minutes.
- Call GRC Security, 410-558-8119 or the NIA IRP Safety Office, 410-558-8028 for spill cleanup assistance.
- Do not return to room for at least 30 minutes to allow aerosols to settle.
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