Guidelines for cleaning blood or body fluids

Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially hazardous. Blood borne pathogens (disease causing germs) may be present in any child or staff, therefore routine practices need to be used at all times when dealing with blood or body fluids.

Procedure for cleaning blood and body fluid spills:

• Assemble materials required for dealing with the spill.
• Inspect the area around the spill thoroughly for splatters or splashes.
• Restrict the activity around the spill until the area has been cleaned and disinfected and is completely dry.
• Put on gloves; if there is a possibility of splashing, wear a gown and facial protection.
• Confine and contain the spill; wipe up any blood or body fluid spills immediately using either disposable towels or a product designed for this purpose. Dispose of materials by placing them into a regular waste receptacle.
• Disinfect the entire spill area with a high level disinfectant and allow it to stand for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
• Wipe up the area again using disposable towels and discard into regular waste.
• Care must be taken to avoid splashing or generating aerosols during the clean-up.
• Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.

Procedure for cleaning blood and body fluid spills on carpet:

• Assemble materials required for dealing with the spill.
• Restrict the activity around the spill until the area has been cleaned and disinfected and is completely dry.
• Put on gloves; if there is a possibility of splashing, wear a gown and facial protection.
• Mop up as much of the spill as possible using disposable towels.
• Disinfect the entire spill area with a high level disinfectant and allow it to sand for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
• Safely dispose of the cleanup materials and gloves by placing them in the waste receptacle.
• Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
• Arrange for the carpet to be cleaned with an industrial carpet cleaner as soon as possible.