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There are different types of accidents that can occur in the TB lab. These accidents and actions to be taken are elaborated below:

 

Tube Breaks or Infectious Spills inside the Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)

 

  • Place absorbent tissue over the spill and apply the disinfectant for 30 mins to 1 hour.
  • Carefully collect contaminated sharps material and place it in a puncture-resistant container for disposal.
  • Clean the walls of BSC with a layer of absorbent paper towel liberally soaked in disinfectant solution.
  • Electrical equipment should be checked carefully before it is used.
  • Collect other contaminated material in a biohazard bag for appropriate disposal.

 

Infectious Spills outside the Biosafety Cabinet 

 

  • Everyone should immediately vacate the affected laboratory area.
  • The laboratory manager should be informed of the incident immediately.
  • Staff must be prevented from re-entering the laboratory for at least 1 hour, to allow aerosols to be removed through the laboratory’s ventilation system and allow time for heavier particles to settle.
  • Signs should be posted indicating that entry is forbidden during the clean-up procedure (Figure below).

Figure: Door signs when a spill has occurred

 

  • Appropriate protective clothing and respiratory protection MUST be worn during cleaning.
  • Standard operating procedures for spill clean-up MUST be followed.
  • The incident should be documented.

 

Spill Clean-up Procedure to be Used 

 

  • Put on gloves, a protective laboratory gown and a respirator.
  • Re-enter the affected area.
  • Cover spill with cloth or paper towels to contain it.
  • Pour appropriate disinfectant over paper towels and the immediate surrounding area.
  • Apply disinfectant concentrically, beginning at the outer margin of the spill and working towards the centre.
  • Allow sufficient time for the disinfectant to act, before clearing away any material for disposal.
  • Clean up the decontaminated area and place any contaminated material in a biohazard bag for disposal.

 

Tube Break or Spill Inside the Centrifuge: Clean-up Procedure 

 

  • The tube should be contained within the safety cup.
  • Place the unopened safety cup in the BSC.
  • Let sit undisturbed for 30 minutes.
  • Disinfect all inside surfaces of the centrifuge.
  • Carefully open the safety cup in which break occurred, place lid, top-down, next to the cup.
  • Remove uncompromised tubes and disinfect the outer surface of tubes by wiping with disinfectant-soaked cotton/ gauze.
  • Pour disinfectant into cup and lid, taking care not to splash.
  • Let stand for 30 minutes, pour off disinfectant and place the broken tube into the discard container to be autoclaved.
  • Disinfect the entire surface of the BSC.
  • Wash the cup and lid, and insert in hot soapy water. 
  • Remove the O-ring to clean underneath, air-dry, and re-silicone the O-ring.

 

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