Practice No.
151
Reference: 10/06
Version 1
Page 1 of 6
New
March 2009
HCC AS 20/06
HCC AS 31/00
HCC AS 10/06 140
Dealing with Spillage of Body Fluids
This summarises the arrangements in place to ensure correct clearing of Body Fluid
Spillage, appropriate cleaning methods and safe disposal of materials:
All body fluids are potentially infectious and precautions are necessary to
prevent accidental exposure to other people. These precautions include
avoiding injury by sharp objects which may have been contaminated with
someone else’s blood or other body fluid. (see Guideline 140) Every member
of staff including volunteers, casuals and others, is accountable for his/her
actions and must follow safe practices. In particular, staff must practice good
basic hygiene and infection control at all times.
All staff must be aware of how to access equipment to deal with a body fluid
spillage. This will be either access to an Emergency Body Fluids Disposal Kit
or access to cleaning supplies in a sluice, medical room etc.
COSHH risk assessments should be in place for all chemicals used, generic
risk assessments for anticipated occurrences and specific risk assessments
may be necessary for some staff who may be at risk of adverse reactions to
equipment or chemicals.
1.
Body Fluids
Body fluids include any fluid that is secreted or excreted by the body. Some
examples are tears; saliva; ear wax; mucus; vomit; blood; pus; urine; faeces.
Whilst fluids such as tears rarely present a risk of infection, staff should
always be aware of the potential for cross infection from any body fluid. This
is particularly important when the fluid has been injected, e.g. a bite or a
needle stick injury, or where there are cuts or abrasions on the skin, where
infection might enter on contact with contaminated fluid.
In all cases, the primary and most effective form of infection control is by
thorough efficient hand washing. Where there are cuts or abrasions, these
should be covered by an impermeable waterproof adhesive plaster. Where
the area is too large to be covered in this way, latex or synthetic gloves
should be worn.
In the case of injected risk, the puncture wound should be encouraged to
bleed out.
2.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn at all times when
dealing with body fluids. Contaminated clothing can spread infection. The use
of Protective Clothing is NOT optional.

Gloves
For prevention of cross infection and for protection against
contaminated fluids and chemicals, gloves must be single use, fitting
correctly to minimise the risk of splitting and made of seamless latex
or synthetic material. Hands should be washed before putting on the
gloves and following removal of the gloves. It is important to wear
gloves not only when dealing with body fluids but also when cleaning
up following a body fluid spillage, to protect against both the fluid and
the cleaning chemicals used.
To prevent contamination, gloves should be removed as follows:With the left hand, pinch a small area of the right hand glove (at the
base of the hand), between thumb and finger and pull towards the
fingertips, causing the glove to turn inside out, dispose of the glove in
the bin. Then remove the left hand glove, by sliding the fingers of the
un-gloved right hand between wrist and glove, taking care not to touch
the outer surface of the glove. Push the un-gloved right hand into the
left hand glove and towards the fingers, causing it to turn inside out.
Dispose of the glove in the bin.
3.

Disposable Aprons
White disposable aprons must be worn for all care or cleaning
activities that may result in contact with body fluids. The aprons should
cover the wearer’s clothing and on completion of the task, should be
removed and disposed of before removal of gloves.

Face Masks
In some cases of specific infections or where using chemicals to clean
up a body spillage, it may be advisable to wear a disposable face
mask. A risk assessment of the individual member of staff or the
specific situation will identify the need for the use of a face mask. e.g.
where there is risk of airborne infection. In general, face masks will not
be necessary for the cleaning of body fluid spillage.

Eye protection
To protect staff from injury by the chemicals used to clean up or
disinfect following spillage of body fluids, including the use of body
spillage disposal kits, over glasses or goggles should be used to
protect against the risk of chemicals or fluids flicking into the eyes.
Plastic over glasses must be provided in all establishments’
Emergency Body Fluid Disposal Kits and must be available for use
under COSHH regulations.

Disposal of protective and contaminated equipment should be treated
as contaminated waste.
Clothing and Bedding
Contaminated clothing, bedding and other washable materials should be
removed with care and placed in a washable or disposable container prior to
sluicing if it is necessary to remove excreta. It should then be placed in a red
hot water soluble bag, inside of a red laundry bag to indicate the possibility of
the contents being contaminated.
Cleaning of Mattresses and Pillows
 Wipe the plastic cover with hot water and detergent
 If contaminated, use NaDCC solution as directed. Do not disinfect
unnecessarily as this damages the mattress cover
 If the inner mattress becomes contaminated, the mattress should be
condemned and disposed of as clinical waste
 Mattresses of specialised design e.g. pressure relieving mattresses
should be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction,
or as directed by the supplier e.g. Joint equipment store.
4.
Following a spillage of EXCRETA, BLOOD OR OTHER BODY FLUIDS
4.1
Spillages of blood, vomit, urine and excreta must be cleaned up as
quickly as possible, and other persons should be kept away from the
spillage until it has been effectively dealt with.
The following steps should be taken :-
4.2
5.

Isolate the spillage from other persons, using warning signs,
barriers made by chairs etc. taking care to ensure that this does
not create a further risk.

Put on personal protective clothing and assemble necessary
equipment to deal with the spillage, including yellow bio hazard
bags and red water soluble laundry bags if necessary

If using an Emergency Body Fluids Disposal Kit, apply the spillage
compound as directed on the packet, allowing the appropriate time
(approx. 90 Seconds) before using the scraper and scoop to
remove the residue.

Dispose of the residue directly into the bio hazard bag.
If clothing belonging to a resident, service user or member of staff
becomes contaminated with blood or other body fluid, it should be
rinsed with cold water and laundered at a thermal disinfection
programme or separately on a hot wash.
Care of surfaces
The Service User’s home and personal property:
Whilst most of the furniture in Adult Services units will withstand the use of
cleaning fluids, care will need to be taken with the personal property of
residents and service users. If some products were used on service users’ soft
furnishings and carpets, the department would be responsible for any compensation
claim as a result of damage to the surfaces caused by our staff.
It is felt that in the service user’s own home, the risk to others of cross contamination
from surfaces is low. The highest risk is the risk of slips and trips so it is more
important that the spillage is cleaned up with Clean Up compound or paper towels.
In Residential Units:
It has been agreed that ENDBAC and other chlorine based products will only be used
on hard surfaces that can withstand a chlorine releasing product.
Chemicals approved for use in Adult Services premises for cleaning of
body fluid spillage

ROBINSON WIPE DOWN PLUS. For use by all staff. This is for use on
hard surfaces contaminated with a body fluid that would be damaged
by chlorine-based chemical disinfectants e.g. equipment used for
personal care, moving and handling equipment. Clean the surface
using warm, soapy water and wipe down with the wipe.

CLEANER DISINFECTANTS. For use in residential and day
care units. Do not use in kitchen areas. A 2% solution may be
used on hard and soft surfaces that would be damaged by
chlorine-based disinfectant. (A 2% solution is 4 complete up and
down strokes of the plastic pump added to 4 litres of cold water.)
 ELECTRIC STEAM CLEANER. Where available on the
premises this may be used to disinfect all surfaces except for
fabric with a pile (such as velvets and suede).
 NaDCC Tablets (Clortabs). For use in residential and day care
units which have access to chemicals, equipment and personal
protective equipment. 10 tablets to 1 litre of cold water, leave for
30 minutes contact time before rinsing.

6.
ENDBAC CLEANER SANITIZER. For use in residential and
day care units which have access to chemicals, equipment and
personal protective clothing. Sprinkle powder onto a dampened
pink cloth and apply to the spillage. Leave for 5 minutes before
drying spillage with an absorbent cloth/towel.
STORAGE OF BODY FLUIDS DISPOSAL KITS
6.1
RESIDENTIAL AND DAY SERVICES
Emergency Body Fluid Spillage Disposal Kits should be kept in an area
which is easily accessible to staff but where the chemicals are not accessible
to service users, including:
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with the main first aid box
in medical rooms
in sluices
in laundry rooms
All staff must know where the equipment is stored and how to use it. Staff
have a responsibility to report any missing equipment to the manager.
Each kit should contain at least 5 single use packs and a pair of safety
glasses.
A member of staff designated to check the first aid kit should also be
designated to check the Body Fluid Disposal Kit. The packing date must be
checked and stocks must be replaced or replenished as necessary.
6.2
ALL OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS
All other bases e.g. premises for incidental use such as luncheon clubs, must
have access to an Emergency Body Fluid Disposal Kit.
This kit should be kept in an easily accessible area e.g. Reception with the
first aid box. The yellow box must be fixed to the wall if possible and its
location must be known to all staff.
Each kit should contain at least 5 single use packs and a pair of safety
glasses.
The first aider must check the kit contents when checking the first aid box.
The packing date must be checked and stocks must be replaced or
replenished.
6.3
FOR STAFF WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
Staff working in service users’ homes must have a supply of single use
Emergency Body Fluid Spillage Disposal Kits, and a pair of safety over
glasses.
These must be replenished from their work base as necessary. The packing
date must be checked and stocks must be replaced or replenished as
necessary.
The yellow bag must be disposed of in line with the local arrangement for the
disposal of contaminated waste.
Community care staff should also have :
6.4

travel first aid kits

tub of Robinson Wipe Down plus


Levermed alcohol gel
hand cream
BODY FLUID DISPOSAL KITS IN HCC VEHICLES
The Emergency Body Fluid Disposal Kit must be secured to the bulk head of
the vehicle with the first aid box. Service users must not be able to obtain
access to any chemicals such as clean-up powder. After use, the box must be
replenished when the vehicle is returned to the Adult Services establishment
work base. The establishment whose service users are using the vehicle must
replenish the stocks. The packing date must be checked and stocks must be
replaced or replenished as necessary.
Bio hazard bags must be stored until the vehicle returns to the work place
where they can disposed of with other clinical waste.
Staff must clean their hands with antiseptic alcohol free wipes after using the
kit.
6.5
BODY FLUID DISPOSAL KITS IN STAFF VEHICLES
Staff who carry service users in their own cars, (e.g. Social Workers, Care
Managers, Occupational Therapists, volunteer drivers) should have access to
a one-use Emergency Body Fluid Disposal Kit.
The packing date must be checked periodically and used stock replenished as
necessary by the service for whose service user the kit was used.
CONTENTS OF EMERGENCY BODY FLUID DISPOSAL KITS
Single use packs must contain:
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1 contents list
1 instruction sheet
1 sachet of antiseptic, alcohol-free hand wipes
1 sachet or sprinkler tub of Emergency Spillage compound
1 pair of disposable gloves (unpowdered latex)
1 plastic apron
1 disposable scoop and scraper
1 pink cloth
1 absorbent cloth
1 Bio Hazard yellow sack
1 bottle of disinfectant spray
1 pair of safety over glasses
Multiple user packs (yellow boxes) must contain:
 1 contents list
 1 instruction sheet
 5 single use packs
 1 pair of safety over glasses
 5 bottles of disinfectant spray
The following should also be available:


6.6
assorted waterproof plasters (these should be available from
the first aid box)
a disposable vomit bowl or disposable bags.
REPLENISHING EMERGENCY BODY FLUID SPILLAGE CLEAN-UP KITS

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The first aider must check the Emergency Body Fluid Disposal
kit after each use or at regular (not less than monthly) periods.
The quantity of stock, dates on the packs and the condition of
the box must be checked and the box cleaned if necessary.
The safety glasses must be checked for condition and
cleanliness.
Out of date stock must be replaced.