Proper disposal of contaminated articles is an important component of OSHA rules.

Biohazard Container

All supplies contaminated with blood or body fluids, such as:

• Gloves
• Gauze
• Bandages
• Gowns
• Other contaminated linens

Regular Waste Container

• Wrappers
• Paper towels
• Examination table paper
• Supplies not contaminated with blood or body fluids

Sharps Container

• Needles
• Capillary tubes
• Dermal puncture lancets
• Broken glass or slides

Safety Tips

• Do not recap needles.
• Keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on file.
• Clean work area regularly with 10% bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts H₂O—for example, add 10 mL bleach to 100 mL H₂O).
• Try to wash hands in front of patients.
• When unable to wash hands, use hand sanitizer.
• All exposures must be reported, documented, and followed up.
• Anticipate exposure and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Refer to OSHA Website for more information (www.osha.gov).

Steps for Cleaning up a Biohazard Spill

1. Put on gloves and other PPEs.
2. Contain the spill with paper towels.
3. Cover the spill with 10% bleach solution.
4. Cover it with additional paper towels, if needed.
5. Add more bleach, if needed.
6. Let sit at least 20 minutes.
7. Clean up spill with mechanical device.
8. DO NOT use hands.
9. Dispose of all materials in biohazard container.
10. Clean area again with bleach and dispose of all cleaning materials in biohazard container.
11. Report and document spill using the incident report supplied by the office.

Biohazard symbol