Page 8
Procedures to Follow in a Biological Spill:
Materials on hand at all times:
• Bio-hazard bag (autoclavable)
• Paper towels
• Gloves
• Tongs or similar instrument
• Disinfectant solution — 70% isopropyl alcohol, 10% Lysol, or household bleach in a squeeze bottle.
Procedure:
1. Pour disinfectant on all broken glass and contaminated surfaces. Extend coverage over 3" around
original (contaminated) area.
2. Cover the spill area with paper towels. Add additional disinfectant to fully saturate them.
Wait 30 minutes.
3. Wearing rubber gloves and using tongs, pick up all glass or residue along with paper towels
and place in Bio-hazard bag.
4. Disinfect the area again by following steps 1 – 3.
5. Seal the bio-hazard bag and autoclave the contents. Dispose.
6. Wash hands thoroughly.
Discarding of Microbiological Cultures
All cultures must be autoclaved prior to disposal.
1. Autoclave at 121°C, 15 psi for 15 minutes.
2. Contents of containers may be discarded.
Note: Do not dump melted agar down the drain as it will later solidify and block flow.
3. Wash glassware in hot water and rinse well.
If an autoclave is unavailable, soak in bleach or incinerate.
