Blood and body fluid spillages

Key points

Occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, excretions and secretions (except sweat) poses a potential risk of infection, particularly to those who may be exposed to these substances.

In clinical areas the management of blood and body fluid spillages is the responsibility of clinical colleagues. In all other areas only staff who are fully vaccinated against Hepatitis B and who are competent to do so should deal with blood or body fluid spillages.

It is the responsibility of all colleagues to ensure that their immunisation status for Hepatitis B is up-to-date. This can be obtained by contacting the occupational health provider.

Trust approved products

• Clinell universal wipes, for small spillages.
• Clinell Spill wipes, for large spillages including urine and vomit.
• Guest Medical or GV blood spillage packs: not for use on urine or vomit spillages.
• Haz-tab solution (10,000 ppm), follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Chlor-Clean solution (1,000 ppm), for environmental disinfection.

Best practice

• Cover cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing before donning personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Use the most appropriate product for the type and size of spillage.
• Ensure all products are in date.
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replenish stock following use.
• Clean hands after doffing PPE.

What product to use

On hard surfaces:

• Large spillage (containing urine and vomit), use a Clinell spill wipes.
• Large spillage not containing( urine or vomit, use Clinell spill wipes or guest medical or GV spill kits.
• Small spillage (less than the size of a 2p coin), use Clinell universal wipes.

On carpets and soft furnishings:

• Large spillage: absorb spill with Clinell spill wipes then use a carpet cleaner and(or) steam cleaner.
• Small spillage: use Clinell universal wipes then use a carpet cleaner and(or) steam cleaner.
• Cushions, covers, curtains: send to Tickhill Road Hospital laundry.
• Haz-tab solution or blood spillage packs must not be used on soft furnishings or carpets except where chlorine resistant fabrics are specified.

Please see infection prevention and control manual webpage for supporting documents attached to this procedure as follows:

• chlor-clean poster

Page last reviewed: November 29, 2024
Next review due: November 29, 2025