Blood and bodily fluids (e.g. faeces, vomit, saliva, urine, nasal and eye discharge) may contain viruses or bacteria capable of causing disease. It is therefore vital to protect both yourself and others from the risk of cross infection. In order to minimise the risk of transmission of infection both staff and pupils should practice good personal hygiene and be aware of the procedure for dealing with bodily spillages. This document is to be used in conjunction with Public Health: Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings (September 2014). 

Staff are advised to contact the Caretaker so that he can arrange to clean the area appropriately, but the initial clean-up of the situation should be carried out by the person(s) who is at the scene of the incident: 

Bodily Fluid Spillage Clean-Up Procedure:

1. Cordon off the area until clean-up is completed. 

2. Put on disposable gloves from the nearest First Aid kit. 

3. Place absorbent towels over the affected area and allow the spill to absorb. 

4. Wipe up the spill using these and then place in a bin (which has a bin liner). 

5. Put more absorbent towels over the affected area and then contact the Caretaker for further help. 

6. If a Bodily Fluid Disposal Kit is available then the instructions for use should be followed. If not then contaminated paper towels need to be placed in a bin with a bin liner, tied up and ideally put in a yellow bin bag or double bagged and put in an outside bin. 

7. If the spillage has been quite extensive then the area may need to be closed off until the area can be cleaned correctly. 

8. The area must be cleaned with disinfectant following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

9.  An appropriate hazard sign needs to be put by the affected area. 

10. The area should be ventilated and left to dry. 

11. All reusable cleaning equipment needs to be appropriately disinfected according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

12. Anyone involved in cleaning up the spillage must wash their hands. 

Please note that: 

• The bin that has had the soiled paper towels put in needs to be tied up and ideally placed in the yellow bin or double bagged and put in an outside bin. 

• Any article of clothing that has been contaminated with the spill should be wiped cleaned and then put in a plastic bag and tied up for the parents to take home. 

• Any soiled wipes, tissues, plasters, dressings etc. must ideally be disposed of in the clinical waste bin (yellow bag). If not available then the gloves being used needs to be taken off inside out so that the soiled item is contained within them. This can be placed in a sanitary waste disposal bin which is regularly emptied. 

Equality Impact Assessment

Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a duty not to discriminate against people on the basis of their age, disability, gender, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Next Review Date:  

September 2024