A biohazard spill refers to any accidental release or leakage of hazardous materials that can pose serious risks to human health and the environment. These can include hazardous biological substances, such as bodily fluids, blood, or pathogens, as well as chemical or radioactive substances.
Biohazard spill accidents can happen in any workplace, such as industrial plants, laboratories, healthcare facilities, or even during transportation. Spills can happen from a variety of reasons like human error, equipment malfunction/failure, or any unforeseen circumstances. When they do happen, they require immediate attention to prevent further contamination to protect people and the immediate environment.
A biohazard spill can cause severe consequences that can potentially cause infections, illnesses, or even fatalities. Exposure to biohazardous materials can occur through direct contact with the substance, inhalation in the event the material can be airborne, or by contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.
It is therefore crucial for businesses handling and working with these materials from medical to industrial work settings to have biohazard spill kits in the workplace. Containing and/or immobilising biohazard spills must be dealt with promptly and effectively to minimise or eliminate risks associated with them. Proper training, awareness, and the availability of biohazard spill kits are crucial for resolving these incidents.
Spill Kits from Wholesale Safety Storage Australia.
Wholesale Safety Storage Australia’s (WSSA) Biohazard Spill Kits contain the necessary tools and supplies needed to respond to spills quickly, protect your response team involved in the cleanup process, and mitigate potential dangers that these biological hazards may pose.
WSSA provides specialised spill kits for laboratories and healthcare facilities, tailored to address common types of spills in these environments. These spill kits are specifically designed for the healthcare industry and cater to spill involving body fluids, biohazards, cytotoxic substances, and mercury.
For instance, spills of chemicals like hydrofluoric acid, battery acid, or mercury often necessitate specialised spill response, while other lab chemicals can be safely cleaned with a regular hazchem spill kit. It is always advisable to consult the Safety Data Sheet for handling instructions of any spilled chemicals or materials.
Considering that each laboratory or health facility has its own set of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in different states, it is crucial for these facilities to have appropriate supplies and equipment readily available for managing accidental spills. The spill kit should contain the necessary tools and equipment for cleaning up hazardous or biohazardous materials, rendering them harmless, and ensuring safe disposal.
WSSA’s Biohazard Spill Kit consists of the following components:
- 5 kg encapsulating powder
- Aussan organic sanitiser concentrate (50mL)
- A small plastic scoop and scraper
- A face mask
- A disposable apron
- A Pair of nitrile gloves
- Fabric moist wipes
- Labelled infectious waste bags
Managing chemical, hazardous goods and biohazardous material spills can be tricky, but with WSSA Spill Kits, you can protect your staff and assets with our range of dangerous goods containers, bunds and spill kits in place. Find out more by getting in touch with us at WSSA.
Australian Standards for Biohazard Spills.
Current Australian Regulations that specifically target biohazard spills are covered by the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2243.3:2022 – Safety in Laboratories, Part 3: Microbiological Safety and Containment. This standard provides guidance for the safe handling