Document Number: SOP-28-1 Page 3 of 3
Author : Sign
Approved : Sign
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Routine cleaning of work surfaces and managing blood spillages
Notes
The procedure for cleaning work surfaces and for managing blood spills will vary depending on the antiseptic solution that is being used.
The following procedure describes the use of a sodium hypochlorite solution with 5,250 ppm to 6,250 ppm available chlorine, which is equivalent to a 0.5% to 0.6% solution. To be an effective disinfectant for most pathogens (e.g. HBV, HCV), the solution should be at least 0.5% but less than 2%.
This procedure must be adapted to conform to local requirements and to the test systems, reagents and equipment that are available to each organization.
1. Introduction
In donation areas and laboratories where blood is collected and processed there is a possibility of spillages resulting from leaking blood bags and broken sample tubes. Blood is potentially infectious and there is a need to put into place a procedure that ensures there is safe decontamination and removal of spillages from working surfaces and equipment in order to create a safe environment for visitors and staff.
2. Purpose and Scope
This procedure is to be followed by trained and authorised personnel for the routine cleaning of work surfaces, laboratory equipment and for the management of blood spillages.
3. Definitions
3.1. ppm - parts per million.
4. Materials and equipment required
4.1. 5.25% or 12.5% Sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
4.2. Cloth /paper towel.
4.3. Tap water.
5. Safety
5.1. Wear gloves and protective wear. See the Safety Manual for further information.
5.2. Bleach solution is corrosive to stainless steel; therefore, thorough rinsing with clean water must follow the cleaning of equipment.
5.3. Do not autoclave sodium hypochlorite solutions.
6. Responsible
The authorised personnel assigned to cleaning or to managing a blood spillage are responsible for all the activities described in this procedure.
7. Procedure
7.1. Dilution of Sodium hypochlorite solution
7.1.1. If using 5.25% Sodium hypochlorite solution, make a 1:9 (i.e. one part bleach and nine parts water) dilution with tap water.
7.1.1.1. If 100 ml of cleaning solution is required, mix 10 ml 5.25% Sodium hypochlorite solution with 90 ml tap water. The solution must be used within 24 hours.
7.1.2. If using 12.5% Sodium hypochlorite solution, make a 1:24 (i.e. one part bleach and 24 parts water) dilution with tap water.
7.1.2.1. If 100 ml of cleaning solution is required, mix 4 ml 12.5% Sodium hypochlorite solution with 96 ml tap water. The solution must be used within 24 hours.
7.2. Routine Decontamination of work surfaces
7.2.1. Routine cleaning must be done at the beginning and end of each shift. The procedure must be recorded on the daily Quality Control form.
7.2.2. Soak a cleaning cloth in 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and wipe the entire working surface with it.
7.2.3. Leave the sodium hypochlorite for approx. 10 minutes on the working surface.
7.2.4. Rinse the cloth in clean water and wash the working surface with water.
7.2.5. Wipe the bench surface to remove any remaining moisture.
7.2.6. Allow the area to dry.
7.3. Cleaning laboratory equipment
7.3.1. Take care when cleaning electrical equipment.
7.3.1.1. Unplug the equipment from the power supply. Switching off the equipment is not adequate - the plug must be removed from the power outlet.
7.3.1.2. Keep all electrical connections dry at all times.
7.3.2. Use a cloth soaked in 0.5% sodium hypochlorite to wipe down the equipment.
7.3.3. Surfaces must be left wet for not less than ten minutes.
7.3.4. Rinse the equipment with clean water.
7.3.5. Dry the surfaces with a clean cloth and leave to dry completely.
7.3.6. Do not connect the electrical equipment to the power supply until it is completely dry.
7.4. Cleaning up blood spills
7.4.1. Exercise caution when cleaning up blood spills. Depending on the type of breakage, there could be a risk of aerosols or of broken glass.
7.4.1.1. If there is a risk of aerosols, for example if a pack breaks during centrifugation, allow at least twenty minutes for the aerosols to settle after the rotor has stopped turning before cleaning.
7.4.1.2. If there is glass present, remove as much as possible before commencing decontaminating the spill.
7.4.2. If there is a large volume of undiluted blood or plasma spilled, this must be decontaminated using a stronger solution of Sodium hypochlorite (1%) than is used for the routine cleaning.
7.4.3. Mop up as much of the spill as possible using disposable towels.
7.4.4. Use a cloth soaked in Sodium hypochlorite to clean the spill area.
7.4.5. Leave the spill area wet for not less than ten minutes.
7.4.6. Rinse the spill area with clean water.
7.4.7. Dry the surfaces with a clean cloth and leave to dry completely.
8. Records and forms
8.1. Cleaning records to be retained in accordance with the Document Retention Policy.
9. References
9.1. Nil.
10. Revision Summary
REVISION NUMBER / DATE / REVISION DETAILS / REASON FOR REVISION