Answer to Question #154289 in Microbiology for Mani

Question

How you will handle spills release of BSL-3 pathogens in a laboratory? Give at least 5 steps.

Answer 1

BSL-3 Laboratories are designated for “indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease through the inhalation route of exposure” according to the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical.

to handle spills release of BSL-3 pathogens in a laboratory, the following steps are to be followed.

1.With your personal protective equipment correctly worn, cover the spill area with paper towels or disinfectant-soaked paper towels.

2.Pour concentrated disinfectant around the edge of the spill slowly working toward the center to avoid enlarging the contaminated area. Avoid splashing or the creation of aerosols during this step and allow about 15-20-minute contact time for the disinfectant.

3.While waiting, use disinfectant-soaked towels to wipe the surrounding floor and work surface areas where splashes or larger aerosols may have settled around the spill to decontaminate these areas.

4.After the waiting contact time of about 15-20-minute contact time, place soiled paper towels inside the biohazard bag.

5.Repeat the decontamination procedure.

6.Decontaminate any reusable items such as forceps by wiping with and then soaking in a disinfectant solution.

7.Remove personal protective equipment, turn any exposed areas inward and place in the biohazard bag.

8.Wipe down the exterior portions of any reusable personal protective equipment such as the powered-air-purifying-respirator and utility gloves with the bleach solution. Perform the disinfectant wipe down twice. 

9.Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 15-30 seconds, autoclave all waste generated from the spill cleanup. Use fresh gloves for transport to the autoclave and wash hands after removing gloves.