Bloodborne Pathogen Cleanup – Quick Reference Guide
General workplace quick reference
How to Respond to a Blood or OPIM Spill
This guide outlines a general workplace response for spills involving human blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Employers should assign cleanup only to appropriately trained and equipped workers, using the procedures in their Exposure Control Plan and the requirements that apply to their workplace.
Secure the Area
Keep people away from the affected area while cleanup is underway. Assess the spill according to the workplace procedure and make sure the assigned worker has the necessary training, supplies, and task-appropriate PPE before beginning.
Contain the Spill
Use suitable absorbent material to prevent the spill from spreading. Avoid cleaning methods that may splash or aerosolize contaminated material, such as pressurized air or water sprays.
Remove Bulk Material Safely
Collect contaminated material using the tools and procedures specified by the workplace. Never pick up broken glass, needles, or other sharps by hand; use tongs, forceps, or a brush and dustpan, then place sharps directly into an appropriate sharps container.
Clean and Disinfect the Surface
Clean the affected surface, then apply an appropriate disinfectant according to its EPA-registered label. Confirm that the product is suitable for the surface and intended pathogen, and keep the surface wet for the full label contact time. See our guide to EPA List S disinfectants for help checking product claims.
Dispose of Cleanup Materials Correctly
Place cleanup materials, disposable PPE, and other waste into the containers or bags required by the workplace procedure. Regulated waste, contaminated sharps, and materials that cannot be safely disinfected may have additional handling and disposal requirements.
Remove PPE, Wash Hands, and Report
Remove PPE carefully to avoid contaminating skin or clothing, then wash hands as soon as possible. Report the cleanup or any possible exposure incident using your workplace procedure so that the required follow-up can begin promptly.
Choose PPE for the actual task
Personal Protective Equipment for Bloodborne Pathogen Cleanup
Employers must select and provide PPE that protects workers from the exposure reasonably anticipated during the cleanup task. The right combination depends on the size and location of the spill, the likelihood of splashing, the surface being cleaned, and the chemicals being used.
Hand Protection
Wear disposable gloves suitable for the task and replace them if they become damaged, contaminated beyond safe use, or when the cleanup is complete. Use tools such as tongs, forceps, or a brush and dustpan for sharps rather than relying on gloved hands.
Body and Clothing Protection
Aprons, gowns, coveralls, or other protective clothing may be necessary where blood or OPIM could contact ordinary clothing, skin, or footwear. Select coverage that matches the anticipated exposure rather than using one fixed list for every spill.
Eye, Face, and Respiratory Considerations
Use eye or face protection where splashes may reach the eyes, nose, or mouth. A face mask may help protect against splashes, but it is not a substitute for a respiratory-protection program where respirator use is required for a separate hazard, such as chemical exposure.
Product labels determine safe use
Selection and Use of Disinfectants
Use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is appropriate for the surface, the intended use, and the relevant pathogen claim. The product label—not a generic formula or assumed contact time—sets out how to dilute, apply, and use the product safely and effectively.
Never mix cleaning chemicals. Do not rely on a fixed bleach formula or substitute products unless your workplace procedure and the product label specifically direct it. Mixing chemicals can create dangerous fumes or reduce the product’s effectiveness.
Follow the workplace disposal procedure
Guidelines for Waste Disposal
Cleanup materials are not all handled in exactly the same way. Follow the employer’s Exposure Control Plan, the type of material involved, and any applicable state or local waste rules to determine the correct container and disposal route.
Cleanup Materials and PPE
Place used absorbent material and disposable PPE into the designated container or bag required by the workplace procedure. Do not assume every item needs pre-soaking or double-bagging; use the procedure that applies to the material and level of contamination.
Sharps
Place needles, broken glass, or other contaminated sharps directly into a closable, puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container. Never reach into a sharps container, compress its contents, or attempt to retrieve an item by hand.
Porous or Damaged Items
Some porous materials or items that cannot be safely cleaned and disinfected may need to be removed from service and disposed of according to the workplace procedure. Do not try to salvage an item if it cannot be effectively decontaminated.
Employer compliance check
OSHA Standards That May Apply to Cleanup Work
The applicable requirements depend on the work being performed and the hazards reasonably anticipated. Employers should use their Exposure Control Plan and task assessment to determine the training, equipment, procedures, and records required for their workplace.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Where employees have reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard sets requirements for exposure controls, training, PPE, post-exposure follow-up, and records.
Personal Protective Equipment
The PPE Standard requires employers to assess hazards, select suitable equipment, provide required PPE, and train employees in its proper use, limitations, care, and disposal.
Hazard Communication
When cleaning and disinfecting products create chemical hazards, the Hazard Communication Standard may require labels, Safety Data Sheets, and employee information and training.
Further workplace support
Need Help Putting a Cleanup Procedure in Place?
A quick reference is useful only when it sits within a workplace process. Use the resources below to strengthen your procedures, training, and ongoing compliance planning.
OSHA On-Site Consultation
OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program provides free, confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses. Consultants can help identify workplace hazards, understand applicable standards, and build safety and health systems. The service is separate from OSHA enforcement and does not issue citations or penalties.
Prepare Employees for Exposure Risks
Where workers have reasonably anticipated occupational exposure, employers need a written Exposure Control Plan and relevant training. Training supports safer daily decisions, but it does not replace workplace-specific procedures, PPE, or local waste arrangements.
This is an informational resource and does not impose new compliance requirements or replace workplace-specific advice from a qualified safety or health professional.
