New, Improved Spill Protocol Templates and Guidance
The Office of Biological Safety has been working on redesigning our biohazardous spill protocols. We recognize that each lab is unique in the materials, activities, and disinfecting protocols used, and the prior spill template may not have worked as well for some labs. Because of that, we are excited to be releasing customizable spill protocols!
Laboratories at UW–Madison conducting research with biohazardous or potentially biohazardous materials, including pathogenic, infectious and recombinant materials, biological toxins, and human- or primate-source materials, need to be prepared in the event of a spill. Spills of these materials may occur anywhere these materials are handled. Laboratories should be prepared to immediately address these spills by training personnel in advance and by having appropriate spill-control materials and protocols in place. Information regarding spill control procedures should be displayed in laboratories and periodically reviewed with personnel.
These templates should be used by laboratory Principal Investigators (PI) and laboratory personnel to create customized biohazardous spill protocols. In addition, completed biohazardous spill protocols should be displayed in laboratories and periodically reviewed with personnel.
All Biological Spill Protocols are available on the EH&S website. In summary, here are the three spill templates:
- Template 1: Spill NOT in a BSC with Evacuation should be used for spills that require exiting the room to allow aerosols to dissipate.
Spill Not in BSC with Evacuation – Template 1 - Template 2: Spill NOT in a BSC should be used for spills that do not require exiting the room.
Spill Not In BSC no evacuation – Template 2 - Template 3: Spill in a BSC should be used for spills that occur within a certified biosafety cabinet.
Spill IN BSC – Template 3
We are excited to launch these templates and guidance! If you need assistance filling these out or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 608-263-2037 or biosafety@fpm.wisc.edu.
We are here to help!
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Biological Safety is a proud member of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). Together we celebrate Biosafety & Biosecurity Month, October 15 – November 15, 2021! During this time, we are sharing updates and timely information with you and your lab.
Learn more on the Biosafety Month web page!