Cleaning After Blood and Body Fluid Spills in Clinical Settings

Free micro-course

Cleaning After Blood and Body Fluid Spills in Clinical Settings

For all staff in clinical settings, and job-seekers. Clear steps. Safe practice. Accreditation-friendly.

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Overview

This micro-course teaches the correct procedures for cleaning spills of blood or other body substances such as faeces, urine, vomitus, or saliva (excluding sweat). These substances can be infectious. They need immediate, safe, and effective management to reduce disease transmission and keep the healthcare environment safe.

Course delivery

  • Fully online. Access anytime, on any device with internet.

Technical requirements

  • A computer or mobile device with internet access.

Certification

  • Certificate of Completion available after you review all sections.
  • You can download it in the final section: “Thank you and the Certificate.”

Why this certificate matters for Accreditation

Maintaining a hygienic and safe environment is a core requirement for Accreditation under the Standards for General Practices (5th edition), Criterion GP5.1 – Practice Facilities. Practices must show that staff are trained and competent in infection prevention and control, especially for spills of blood and other body substances.

This course supports compliance. It provides clear, actionable protocols that align with best practice for biohazard spill management—an area often reviewed during Accreditation.

With staff certificates from this course, your practice can:

  • Show documented training evidence relevant to infection control (Indicator GP5.1 A).
  • Demonstrate preparedness for clinical risks related to spills.
  • Support a clean and safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
  • Simplify compliance records with verifiable training.

One certificate. One small step. One big tick for Accreditation.

Course content

  1. Module 1: Understanding the Risks of Blood and Body Substance Spills
  2. Module 2: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Spill Management
  3. Module 3: The Spills Kit – What It Is and How to Use It
  4. Module 4: Cleaning Protocols for Different Types of Spills
  5. Module 5: Example Protocol for Disinfection and Waste Disposal After Spills
  6. Thank you and the Certificate

Module 1: Understanding the Risks of Blood and Body Substance Spills

Overview. Spills involving blood and other body substances (excluding sweat) create a real risk of infection transmission. This module explains why these substances are hazardous, outlines likely pathogens, and stresses fast, correct management.

Learning objectives.

  • Identify which substances are considered infectious.
  • Understand the health risks from spills.
  • Recognise the need to act quickly.
  • Understand staff responsibilities.

Hazardous substances include: blood (visible or mixed), faeces, urine, vomitus, and saliva (especially if blood-stained). Sweat is not considered infectious.

Why prompt management matters. Blood and faeces may carry Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and Clostridioides difficile. Spills contaminate surfaces and increase risk. Delay can also damage floors, textiles, and equipment. Faeces is high-risk due to heavy microbial load and surface survival. Use detergent and disinfectant.

Staff responsibilities. Know the spill policy and the kit location. Respond promptly. Use correct PPE.

Module 2: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Spill Management

Overview. PPE protects staff from exposure. Use PPE for all blood and body substance spills.

Learning objectives.

  • Select appropriate PPE for each spill.
  • Use PPE correctly. Remove it safely.
  • Dispose of PPE correctly. Perform hand hygiene.

PPE items. Single-use gloves, eye protection, surgical mask, waterproof apron. Use utility gloves if broken glass or sharps are present.

Sequence. Hand hygiene → gloves → apron → mask → eye protection. After cleanup, remove and dispose of PPE safely. Perform hand hygiene.

Module 3: The Spills Kit – What It Is and How to Use It

Overview. A spills kit lets staff act fast and safely. All components should be disposable.

Contents. Laminated guide; single-use gloves; eye/face protection; surgical masks; disposable waterproof aprons; clinical and general waste bags; emesis bags; absorbent agent (e.g., cat litter); paper towels; scoop and scraper; detergent wipes; disinfectant wipes; hospital-grade disinfectant; hazard signs.

Location. Keep kits accessible and clearly labelled. Near high-risk areas and in service vehicles. Ensure all staff know the location.

General steps. Assess the spill → don PPE → apply absorbent → scoop and dispose → clean with detergent → disinfect with TGA-approved product (allow full contact time) → dispose of all items correctly → hand hygiene.

Module 4: Cleaning Protocols for Different Types of Spills

Overview. Size, surface, and location determine the method. Follow the right steps for spot, small, and large spills; for hard surfaces and textiles.

Spot cleaning (very small). Gloves on. Wipe immediately. Disinfect if skin contact is possible. Dispose. Hand hygiene.

Small spills (≤10 cm). Full PPE. Absorb. Dispose in clinical waste. Clean with detergent. Disinfect with TGA-approved agent. Keep surface wet for full contact time. Dry if needed. Remove PPE. Hand hygiene.

Large spills (>10 cm). Full PPE. Cover with absorbent (e.g., cat litter). Scoop to clinical waste. Replace soiled gloves. Clean with detergent and water. Disinfect (full contact time). Remove PPE. Hand hygiene.

Hard surfaces. Contain → remove solids → clean with detergent → dry → disinfect → dispose → hand hygiene.

Textiles/carpets. Use absorbent. Scoop solids. Dab (do not scrub). Clean with fabric-safe solution. Quarantine until dry. Steam clean if needed. Never vacuum wet contaminated areas. Remove items if possible and clean thoroughly. Discard if badly soiled.

Module 5: Example Protocol for Disinfection and Waste Disposal After Spills

Overview. This example shows standard steps you can adapt to your clinic’s products and policies.

Spot cleaning. Exam gloves (utility gloves if glass). Wipe immediately. Disinfect if needed. Dispose. Hand hygiene.

Small spills. Select PPE. Absorb and bag waste. Clean with detergent. Apply clinic’s TGA-approved disinfectant. Keep surface wet for the required minutes. Air dry. Remove PPE. Hand hygiene.

Large spills. Full PPE. Absorb. Scoop into waste at site. Replace soiled gloves. Clean with detergent and water. Move waste to designated area. Remove PPE and wash hands. New gloves. Disinfect for full contact time. Dry. Remove gloves. Final hand hygiene.

Disinfectants. Use ARTG-listed products. Follow label for dilution and contact time. Example: “Use [Product name]. Keep surface wet for [X] minutes. Reapply if needed.”

Waste disposal.

  • Heavily soiled PPE/absorbents → clinical waste (hazard marked).
  • Lightly contaminated packaging → general waste (if policy allows).
  • Soiled disposable aprons → biohazard/clinical waste bag.

Final step. Hand hygiene. Always.

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