What is the first safety step when a blood spill occurs?

• A. Shout for assistance.
• B. Ignore if small.
• C. Put on appropriate PPE and contain the spill while following approved cleanup procedures.
• D. Wait for supervisor to instruct.

Answer: (C)

The first safety step is to put on appropriate PPE and contain the spill while following approved cleanup procedures. This protects you from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and prevents the spill from spreading to others. Put on gloves as the minimum protection, and add eye protection or a gown if there’s a splash risk. Containing the spill—clearly marking off the area and using absorbent materials to prevent further spread—reduces exposure and makes cleanup safer. After securing yourself and the area, follow the facility’s approved cleanup procedures: use an appropriate disinfectant with the required contact time, clean up all contaminated materials, and dispose of them in designated biohazard containers, then wash your hands thoroughly. Shouting for help or waiting for someone to tell you what to do should not precede protection, and ignoring a spill is unsafe.