Biohazards: Cleaning

• Description
• Prevention

From 1 January 2012 the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) has effect in the ACT, replacing the Work Safety Act 2008. The information on this page is in the process of being updated to reflect the new WHS Act. Click here for further information on the WHS Act.

Description

Workers cleaning bathrooms or similar facilities may come across body fluids such as blood, vomit or faeces.

Prevention

Reduce the risk of exposure by following these guidelines:

• use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable waterproof gloves
• use disposable towels to clean up all visible material
• discard towels in a waterproof garbage bag
• use garbage bags or specifically marked laundry bags to separate soiled items
• disinfect the area with dilute bleach solution
• don't compress garbage or reach into garbage containers with bare hands
• don't hold garbage against your body during handling.

If exposed to infection:

• seek first aid treatment immediately
• report the incident to your supervisor
• seek further medical attention, preferably within two hours.