First Aid & Cleaning Blood Spills

Skin is an effective barrier against infection. Make sure there are no cuts, abrasions or dermatitis.

Cover areas of damaged skin with waterproof dressings such as bandaids or gloves in the case of dermatitis.

Before giving FirstAid:

S Wash hands with soap and water

S Cover any cuts.

S Wear latex or rubber gloves.

After FirstAid:

S Wash hands with soap and water immediately, regardless of whether gloves had been worn.

S Clean up any blood spills with paper towels and soapy water. Ideally gloves should be worn when cleaning and handling wastes.

S Discard materials used to wipe up blood spills in a plastic bag and dispose of in general garbage.

S Remove any clothing splashed with blood and launder as normal.

If contact with blood or body fluids does occur:

S Wash blood or body fluids away as soon as possible with soap and water.

S Rinse any blood or body fluids from eyes, nose or mouth with plenty of water.

S Injuries such as cuts or needle sticks should be washed with soapy water and then covered with a sterile dressing such as a bandaid. Latest advice is not to encourage the wound to bleed.

S In the workplace any blood or body fluid exposure should be reported according to the relevant workplace policy

Note: Blood contact is a transmission risk for hepatitis B and hepatitisC.The hepatitisC virus is thought to survive on surfaces for at least 16 hours, and the hepatitis B virus for up to seven days. Survival beyond that depends on a range of environmental factors.