1. 7. EMERGENCY RESPONSE
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

2. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS BIOLOGICAL SAFETY OFFICER: 4212
Biological Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
BIOLOGICAL SAFETY OFFICER: 4212
RYERSON SECURITY (24 hours): 80
(after hours)
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

3. Radiation Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The location and proper use of emergency equipment (eye wash stations, first aid kits, etc.) should be known to all lab personnel prior to the start of any work in the laboratory.
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

4. SPILL OF A BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
Biological Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
SPILL OF A BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
steps are taken to avoid spread AND UNNECESSARY AEROSOL GENERATION
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

5. PREVENT ACCESS – to spill area
Radiation Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
PREVENT ACCESS – to spill area
MONITOR – for contamination & perform decon
REPORT – to supervisor
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

6. GENERAL SPILL PROCEDURES
Biological Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GENERAL SPILL PROCEDURES
Protective clothing (double gloves)
Place absorbent around edges of spill
Clean from out towards centre (prevent spread of contamination)
Spill cleanup materials for biohazardous waste disposal
Perform decon as outlined in Biological Safety Manual
Wash hands after cleanup
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

7. GENERAL SPILL PROCEDURES – For Minor Spills
Biological Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GENERAL SPILL PROCEDURES – For Minor Spills
Protective clothing (double gloves)
If spill occurs on benchtop, evacuate the laboratory for a time sufficient for most aerosols to settle or be dispersed and removed by the ventilation system, typically 20 to 30 minutes. Prevent access to area by marking the area with warning signs and closing laboratory doors.
Report spill to supervisor as soon as feasible.
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

8. GENERAL SPILL PROCEDURES – For Minor Spills
Biological Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GENERAL SPILL PROCEDURES – For Minor Spills
Decontaminate all surfaces exposed to the spill with a suitable disinfectant. Effective disinfectants must be available in the laboratory at all times and for immediate use.
Allow sufficient time for decontamination of the mixed material, normally 20 to 30 minutes; it is advised to leave the laboratory during this period.
After decontamination, carefully absorb the liquid with absorbent paper or absorbent materials supplied in a spill kit and place into an autoclavable bag or other container suitable for autoclaving.
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

9. CONTAMINATED PERSONNEL
Biological Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
CONTAMINATED PERSONNEL
Remove contaminated clothing (carefully)
Flush with plenty of water (2-3minutes)
Monitor rinse water
Monitor skin for contamination and repeat above if necessary
Open wounds – obtain immediate medical attention
Call Ryerson Security at 80
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

10. Radiation Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRST AID
First aid measure initiated immediately after injury can minimize the exposure to blood borne pathogens.
Remove contaminated clothing & gloves
Allow immediate bleeding or forcing of bleeding of cut
Wash affected area with soap or antiseptic and water
If eyes, nose or mouth are involved, flush with large amounts of water
Cover wound with dressing or band aid
Seek further medical attention if required – Contact Security at ext 80
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

11. Radiation Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Reporting Exposures
Every exposure must be reported to the supervisor or a designated person without delay.
The injured person should not postpone seeking medical attention if the supervisor is not available and should immediately contact Ryerson Security at ext 80.
Personnel potentially exposed to blood borne pathogens must be instructed to seek medical advice following an exposure. The physician will determine if the risk is significant, the type of medical follow up required
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

12. Reporting Exposures – Forms
Radiation Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Reporting Exposures – Forms
Details of the accident should be documented on the Internal Accident/Incident/Exposure Investigation Report. In addition, the Workers’ Compensation Form (WSIB Form 7) should also be completed and sent to Human Resources.
completed forms should be sent in within 24 hours of known exposure.
forms are available from the Centre for Environmental Health and Safety Management website at:
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

13. PREVENT ACCESS – to spill area
Radiation Safety Training – Certificate Holder and User Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE
PREVENT ACCESS – to spill area
MONITOR – for contamination & perform decon
REPORT – to supervisor
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

14. Spills Spill response will vary depending on:
What was spilled?
How much was spilled?
Where was the spill?
What is the potential for release to the environment?
Spills should be cleaned up immediately (unless an aerosol was generated), to ensure proper decontamination.
All spills are to be reported ASAP to the lab supervisor and EHSS.
What was spilled? (What are the physical characteristics and potential hazards of that particular organism?)
How much was spilled? (What is the volume and concentration of the organism?)
Where was the spill? (In a BSC, in the lab, outside the lab, in a centrifuge?)
What is the potential for release to the environment? (Were aerosols or droplets generated?)
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

15. Spills within a BSC Leave the ventilation on (run 10-15 minutes )
Cover spill area with absorbent material
Soak the spill area with an appropriate disinfectant (i.e. 10% bleach).
Pour disinfectant from the outside surface of the absorbent material towards the inside.
Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes
Wipe up with absorbent material
All items within the cabinet should be disinfected
All waste should be autoclaved
Absorbent material may be paper towel
All items within the cabinet should be disinfected (Walls and surfaces wiped down, equipment wiped down and/or autoclaved)
* If the spill overflows onto the interior of the BSC contact the EHSS as a more extensive decontamination may be required.
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

16. Spills outside of a BSC Evacuate the area for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble supplies and PPE
Add disinfectant, pick up any broken glass with forceps and place in a sharps container.
Cover with absorbent material.
All adjacent areas should also be disinfected or wiped down.
All waste should be autoclaved.
If an aerosol is generated (or the risk exists), hold your breath and quickly leave the lab. Close the door and post a warning sign.
Evacuate the area for at least 30 minutes to allow aerosols to settle.
For more hazardous substances place the contaminated clothing in an appropriate bag for autoclaving.
Assemble cleaning supplies and PPE
Using appropriate concentrated disinfectant cover the spill area.
Pour from outside, towards inside of the spill.
For more hazardous substances, allow the disinfectant to act for 20 minutes.
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

17. Spills occurring in a centrifuge
Leave lid closed and allow aerosols to settle for at least 1 hr (ensure centrifuge is off, affix a sign)
Move to BSC if possible.
Disinfect the centrifuge, rotors and buckets in an appropriate disinfectant, allow at least 20 to 30 min of contact time. Drain the disinfectant.
Thoroughly wipe down the inside of centrifuge and all parts including the lid (paper towels soaked in disinfectant)
Rinse both the rotors and the inside of the centrifuge with water if bleach was used.
All waste should be autoclaved
Notify others in the lab not to use the centrifuge (include signage) and inform the lab supervisor
If possible move the centrifuge or at least the rotors and buckets to a BSC
Carefully retrieve any broken glass from inside the centrifuge using forceps and place in a sharps container.
2 types of scenarios,
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

18. Spills occurring during transport
Clean-up must be initiated immediately
Then follow directives for spills outside of a biological safety cabinet
RYERSON UNIVERSITY

19. Spill Clean-up
All users of biological materials should be familiar with the spill clean-up procedures.
Spill response plan template (U Ottawa)
Additional assistance is available from:
Your departmental safety coordinator
CEHSM by dialling extension 4212
Emergency Response by dialling 80
RYERSON UNIVERSITY