Biological Spill Management

The Biological Spill Management SOP (SOP-BIO-001) provides comprehensive guidelines for safely handling biological spills, including blood-borne pathogens and gastrointestinal pathogens. This document is crucial for all personnel in workplaces where biological hazards may be present, ensuring they are equipped to minimize exposure and mitigate risks. It covers essential procedures, responsibilities, and safety measures outlined by relevant legislation and guidelines to protect the health and safety of workers.

• Blood-borne virus transmission — hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) → chronic illness or death
• Bacterial infection — staphylococcus, MRSA, streptococcus, leptospirosis (animal urine) → systemic infection
• Gastrointestinal pathogens — norovirus, rotavirus, Salmonella, Campylobacter from vomit or faeces → outbreak risk
• Sharps injury during clean-up exposing the cleaner to BBVs → seroconversion risk
• Aerosolisation of pathogens during clean-up of dried material → respiratory infection
• Skin or mucous membrane exposure to blood/fluid via splash → BBV transmission
• Manual handling injury moving an animal carcass
• Psychological distress from exposure to traumatic biological material

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Chapter 3 Risk Management; Chapter 4 Hazardous Work
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) — Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare
• Australian Immunisation Handbook (Department of Health) — hepatitis B vaccination of designated first-aid and clean-up workers
• Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) — Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Guidelines
• AS/NZS 3816 — Management of clinical and related wastes
• AS/NZS 4146 — Laundry practice (where contaminated linen is handled)
• AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices
• AS 4031 — Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharp medical items used in healthcare
• State EPA clinical waste regulations (e.g., NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997; Vic Environment Protection Act 2017)
• Biohazard Spill Response Register and Exposure Incident Report (associated documents)