When blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) contaminates a surface, standard cleaning methods involving soap and water are insufficient. Biological spills introduce a hazard that goes beyond simple mess removal. The goal of cleaning a biohazard is not merely to remove visible matter, but to eliminate the invisible threat of disease-causing microorganisms. Specialized chemical disinfectants must be used for complete biological inactivation, rather than general-purpose cleaners that only remove dirt and debris.
Defining Bloodborne Pathogens and OPIM
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease. The most commonly discussed pathogens are the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These viruses can survive outside the body on surfaces for varying periods, meaning a contaminated surface can act as a reservoir for infection. Transmissibility occurs if the infectious substance enters the body through broken skin, mucous membranes, or a puncture wound.
The term Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) is a broad category encompassing human body fluids that may contain pathogens, even if blood is not visibly present. This includes substances like semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, and synovial fluid. Any unfixed human tissue or organ, other than intact skin, is also classified as OPIM. Because it is difficult to differentiate between body fluids in a spill situation, all such materials are treated with the same level of precaution to prevent disease transmission.
The Chemical Action of Disinfectants
The fundamental difference between cleaning and disinfecting is that cleaning removes material, while disinfecting inactivates or kills the microorganisms. Disinfectants achieve this by using specific chemical agents to physically destroy the structure of the pathogens. For instance, alcohol-based disinfectants, often used at concentrations between 60% and 90%, work primarily by denaturing the proteins within the microbial cell. This process alters the protein’s three-dimensional structure, which is necessary for the microorganism’s function and survival.
Other effective agents, such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach), are broad-spectrum disinfectants that disrupt the internal structure of the pathogen. This chemical action can destroy the cell wall or viral envelope, leading to protein coagulation and irreversible destruction. For a product to be approved for biohazard cleanup, it must be labeled as “virucidal,” meaning it is proven to kill viruses, including resistant, non-enveloped viruses. Achieving this destruction requires a precise concentration and an adequate contact time, called the dwell time, which allows the chemicals to fully penetrate and destroy the microbes.
Essential Steps in Biohazard Spill Protocol
The cleanup of a biological spill is a tightly controlled procedure designed to maximize safety and ensure complete decontamination. The first step involves securing the area and donning the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE typically includes fluid-resistant gloves, a gown or lab coat, and eye protection to prevent contact with the infectious material. Once protected, the initial action is to contain the material and remove the bulk of the spill using absorbent materials like paper towels or specialized powders.
After the visible material has been removed and placed into a biohazard waste container, the crucial disinfection phase begins. The approved chemical disinfectant is applied to the contaminated area, ensuring complete saturation. The disinfectant must remain on the surface for the manufacturer’s specified dwell time, which can range from 15 to 30 minutes for common solutions like a 1:10 bleach mixture. This mandated contact time guarantees the chemical destruction of the remaining, invisible pathogens on the surface.
Following the dwell time, the disinfectant and any remaining residue are wiped away, and the entire area is cleaned again. All items used in the cleanup, including the contaminated PPE, are then disposed of as regulated biohazardous waste in designated bags or containers. This rigorous, multi-step process is the only way to ensure that a contaminated area is rendered safe for human use by chemically inactivating the disease threat.