Pathogenic agents

Immediately evacuate the contaminated area and contact both the NIH Fire Department (911 or 9-911) and DOHS at (301) 496-2346. Do not enter or reenter an unsafe area. Post the contaminated room/area to prevent others from entering.  Contaminated clothing should be removed and decontaminated in an appropriate method. Skin contamination will require the use of an approved antibacterial soap and gentle but thorough washing for 10-15 minutes to decontaminate properly. Care should be taken to prevent spreading the agent to other areas. After proper decontamination, exposed personnel should report directly to Occupational Medical Service (OMS) located in Building 10, Room 6C306.  You may contact OMS at (301) 496-4411.

Proper PPE must be worn when cleaning (i.e., gloves, lab coat, eye protection with respiratory protection as needed).

Non pathogenic agents or agents that have low virulence

Non pathogenic agents or agents that have low virulence should be covered with paper towels to help contain the material and limit aerosolization. Wearing gloves, a lab coat and eye protection, pour a freshly made 10% bleach solution on the spill working from the outer edge toward the center. Allow the material to sit for the appropriate contact time (30 minutes minimum).

At the end of the contact time, the material can be picked up and disposed of in an MPW box. When cleaning, start at the outside and wipe in concentric rings toward the center.

Notify your Safety and Health Specialist.

Centrifuges

Do not open lid if you suspect that a tube has broken. If you open the lid and identify that a tube has broken, immediately close the lid. Leave the area and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Post the room and inform co-workers of the situation so they do not go into the area. Keep the lid closed for at least 30 minutes to allow the aerosols time to settle. Notify the supervisor or Principal Investigator and your IC Safety Specialist. Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to clean the spill. Proper PPE includes gloves, lab coat, eye protection with respiratory protection as needed. Surfaces should be thoroughly wiped down with a fresh 10% bleach solution and paper towels. Paper towels should be disposed of as medical pathological waste (MPW).

All injuries and exposures are required to be reported to Occupational Medical Service (OMS) located in Building 10, Room 6C306.  You may contact OMS at (301) 496-4411.