In a research environment, staff or students may be required to work with human blood and/or bodily fluids. In these situations, it is important to ensure the safe handling of blood and bodily fluids. Appropriate management of bio hazardous substances must be in place to minimise risk to staff and students.
Find out more about biological safety
Actions required by employee/student
- If skin is splashed or penetrated, wash the area well with soap and water
- If the eyes are contaminated, rinse the eyes using the emergency eye wash facility
- If there is a splash into the mouth spit it out and rinse thoroughly
- Contact your supervisor or manager immediately
- Document the date and time of exposure, how the incident occurred and the name of the source if known
Actions required by manager/supervisor
- Ensure area has been washed.
- Arrange for blood to be taken from the individual as soon as possible. The screening must include HIV, HBV, and HCV. Contact one of the following:
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- If the source is known, contact and arrange for blood samples to be taken.
- Clean up any spill and disinfect the area and/or objects.
- Provide support for the employee involved, and advise of the EAP scheme if appropriate.
- Report the incident through Vault.
Immediate assessment
It is important that the individual is medically assessed immediately so that treatment can be commenced if deemed necessary. Arrange follow-up with the emergency contacts provided.
Issues for the medical services to consider include:
- Action will depend on the status of the individual and the status of the source
- Is there a need for immediate antiretroviral treatment?
- Is there a need for hepatitis B immunoglobulin?
- Is there a need for hepatitis B vaccination?
- Has follow-up been arranged?