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Blood or Body Fluid Spill

NEVER clean up a blood or body fluid spill unless you have undertaken the required training.  Bio-safety safety training is available through the Vanderbilt Environmental Health & Safety department. 

  1. Isolate the spill and prevent others from entering the area.   Call Plant Operations Building Systems Controls (BSC) by dialing 615-32(2-2621).
  2. If a person is exposed, immediately and thoroughly wash all skin surfaces with soap and water.
  3. Flush mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose immediately and rinse thoroughly with water for 10-15 minutes.  Remove contact lenses.
  4. Blood and Body Fluid Spills ONLY--if students are exposed, they should report immediately to the Occupational Health Clinic 615-93(6-0955).  If after hours, they should report to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Emergency Department 615-32(2-3391).
  5. If staff or faculty is exposed, they should report to the Occupational Health Clinic 615-93(6-0955).  If after hours, they should report to the (VUMC) Emergency Department 615-32(2-3391).
  6. Complete a First Report of Injury form if any employee is involved. If you have questions, contact Risk Management at 615-93(6-0660).

Immediate First Aid

  1. Wash skin surfaces immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Flush mucous membranes of the eye, mouth, or nose immediately, and rinse thoroughly with water for 10-15 minutes.  Remove contact lenses.
  3. DO NOT use bleach as a skin disinfectant.

To call the Vanderbilt University Police Department in an emergency:

  • Dial 911 from any campus phone.
  • Dial (615) 421-1911 from any other phone.

See also this page about the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.  Research personnel should also refer to this page.