Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

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the location of the practice or workplace’s spill kit. Clean spills up immediately and dispose of any items used to undertake clean-up to avoid cross-contamination (see Table 5). Do not use alcohol solutions to clean spillages.

Appropriate processes for managing spills depends on: • the setting • practice policies • the volume of the spill.

Table 5: Spill Size and Spot Cleaning Process

Small Spills (<10cm diameter) Select appropriate PPE. Wipe up the spill immediately with absorbent material. Place contaminated absorbent material into an impervious container or plastic bag for disposal. Clean the area with warm detergent solution, using disposable cloth or sponge. Wipe the area with sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or hospital-grade disinfectant (between 60% and 80% v/v ethanol or equivalent), and allow to dry if the spill contains infectious agents in the body fluids

Larger Spills (>10cm diameter) Select appropriate PPE Cover the area of the spill with an absorbent clumping agent and allow to absorb Use disposable scraper and pan to scoop up absorbent material and any unabsorbed blood or body substances Place all contaminated items into an impervious container or plastic bag for disposal Wipe the area with sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or hospital-grade disinfectant (between 60% and 80% v/v ethanol or equivalent), and allow to dry if the spill contains infectious agents in the body fluids Do not use alcohol solutions Perform hand hygiene Discard contaminated materials Mop the area with detergent solution

Spot Cleaning

Select appropriate PPE Wipe up spot immediately with a damp cloth, tissue or paper towel

•

• •

• •

•

•

•

Discard contaminated materials Perform hand hygiene

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Do not use alcohol solutions on surfaces Perform hand hygiene

•

•

•

•

Adapted from NHMRC Guidelines 9

Spills on Soft Furnishings •

Use a detergent solution to clean the area thoroughly. • Do not use a disinfectant such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach). • Use a wet vacuum. • Ensure that furnishings are dry before reuse.

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020