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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Safe Management of Blood and Body Fluid Spillages Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all blood and body fluid spillages at {{org_field_name}} are managed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with infection prevention and control guidelines. Proper management of such spillages minimises the risk of infection transmission, cross-contamination, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

This policy aligns with The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) infection control standards. It outlines clear procedures for cleaning, disinfection, staff training, and emergency response to blood and body fluid spillages, ensuring the safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including care workers, domestic staff, and management, who may be required to handle blood and body fluid spillages.
• Residents, ensuring they are protected from infection risks associated with bodily fluid exposure.
• Visitors and external contractors, ensuring they follow appropriate infection control measures.

3. Managing Blood and Body Fluid Spillages Efficiently

3.1 Understanding the Risks

Blood and body fluids can carry infectious agents, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. Spillages pose a high risk of cross-infection if not handled correctly. The following body fluids require careful management:

• Blood
• Vomit
• Urine
• Faeces
• Saliva (if contaminated with blood)
• Sputum
• Wound exudate

Staff must treat all spillages as potentially infectious and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfection procedures.

3.2 Immediate Response and Risk Assessment

When a blood or body fluid spillage occurs, staff must act quickly to contain and eliminate the risk. The following immediate actions must be taken:

1. Assess the area – Ensure residents, staff, and visitors are moved away from the spillage site.
2. Assess the nature of the spillage – Identify if it involves blood or a high-risk infectious substance.
3. Obtain the correct PPE and cleaning equipment before starting any cleaning process.
4. If the spillage is in a high-risk area (e.g., dining room, communal space, or kitchen), additional containment measures should be applied.

3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

To minimise the risk of exposure, staff must wear appropriate PPE when handling blood or body fluid spillages. Required PPE includes:

• Disposable single-use gloves (non-latex where possible).
• Disposable plastic aprons to prevent contamination of clothing.
• Face masks and eye protection if there is a risk of splashing.
• Shoe covers if cleaning a large-scale spillage.

All PPE must be disposed of correctly in accordance with clinical waste disposal regulations.

3.4 Cleaning and Disinfection Procedure

All staff must follow a standardised approach to cleaning up blood and body fluid spillages. The correct method depends on the type of flooring and the volume of the spillage:

Small Spillage (Less than 10ml)

1. Cover the area with disposable paper towels to absorb the liquid.
2. Dispose of the paper towels in a clinical waste bag.
3. Clean the surface with an appropriate disinfectant solution, ensuring it meets the EN14476 standard for virus elimination.
4. Allow the area to air dry, ensuring no residue remains.

Large Spillage (More than 10ml or Pooled Fluids)

1. Use an absorbent granule product (e.g., chlorine-based granules) to solidify the liquid.
2. Leave the granules in place for at least 2 minutes to fully absorb the fluid.
3. Carefully scoop up the solidified material using disposable equipment and place it in a yellow clinical waste bag.
4. Thoroughly disinfect the area using a chlorine-based disinfectant (at least 1,000 ppm available chlorine).
5. Allow the area to dry and ensure no residual contamination remains.

3.5 Special Considerations for High-Risk Areas

Certain areas require enhanced cleaning measures due to their high risk of cross-infection:

• Kitchens and Food Preparation Areas – Any spillage in these areas must be reported immediately. Staff must use food-safe disinfectants and follow strict disposal protocols.
• Carpets and Upholstery – Blood or body fluid spillages on soft furnishings must be cleaned using a dedicated carpet extraction cleaner with disinfectant or disposed of if contamination is severe.
• Communal Bathrooms and Toilets – Additional barrier cleaning measures must be applied to prevent contamination of fixtures and fittings.

3.6 Safe Disposal of Contaminated Waste

All waste generated during a body fluid spillage clean-up must be disposed of safely to prevent further contamination. Waste must be:

• Placed in a yellow clinical waste bag and secured immediately.
• Disposed of via an approved hazardous waste disposal service.
• Not mixed with general household waste under any circumstances.

Any sharp objects (e.g., broken glass contaminated with blood) must be disposed of in a designated sharps bin to prevent needlestick injuries.

3.7 Staff Training and Competency

All staff at {{org_field_name}} must be trained in safe blood and body fluid spillage management as part of their mandatory infection control training. Training includes:

• How to recognise and respond to spillages safely.
• Correct use of PPE to protect themselves and others.
• Safe handling of contaminated waste.
• Decontamination procedures for different surfaces.
• How to report and document incidents appropriately.

Staff competency is regularly assessed, and refresher training is provided annually or after any incident involving improper handling of body fluid spillages.

3.8 Incident Reporting and Documentation

All body fluid spillages must be recorded and reported to the Registered Manager. Documentation should include:

• Time and location of the spillage.
• Type of body fluid involved.
• Cleaning method used and disinfectants applied.
• Details of any PPE worn.
• Any further actions required (e.g., deep cleaning, staff training, resident observation).

If a staff member or resident comes into direct contact with a hazardous body fluid, an accident report must be completed, and medical advice sought where necessary.

3.9 Compliance Monitoring and Auditing

To ensure compliance with CIW infection control standards, {{org_field_name}}:

• Conducts regular audits of blood and body fluid spillage procedures.
• Reviews and updates infection control protocols as needed.
• Ensures staff adhere to PPE and waste disposal regulations.
• Addresses non-compliance through additional training and supervision.

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Management Responsibilities

• Ensuring all staff receive appropriate training on body fluid spillage management.
• Providing adequate PPE and cleaning supplies.
• Investigating any incidents involving exposure to hazardous fluids.
• Conducting infection control audits to ensure compliance with CIW regulations.

4.2 Staff Responsibilities

• Following correct cleaning and disinfection protocols.
• Wearing appropriate PPE when handling body fluid spillages.
• Reporting any incidents involving exposure or unsafe practices.
• Maintaining cleaning logs and compliance records.

5. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Sharps and Hazardous Waste Disposal Policy

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new regulatory guidance emerges. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with CIW infection control standards.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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