Blood cleanup and disposal procedures

Cleaning Up Blood Safely

Coming into contact with potentially infectious blood should be taken very seriously. Any blood spill should be treated as though it were infected with a dangerous disease like HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. Having the proper personal protective equipment is a must before attempting the cleanup. One simple mistake could mean exposure to risky bloodborne pathogens and have grave consequences to ones health. Don’t ever hastily try to get it done. Be patient and cautious and be sure that you’re in an alert state of mind.

Personal Protective Equipment Checklist

Before attempting to clean up a blood spill, it’s very important to be certain that all the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is used to keep you safe.  And remember, even though you’re wearing PPE, it’s still important to use caution while cleaning up body fluids.  Do your best to avoid getting blood on your PPE and periodically inspect your PPE for any rips or tears.  Use this checklist prior to making contact with any blood.

  • Wear a protective gown or body suit
  • Always use disposable gloves
  • Use a mask and eyewear
  • Put on a protective cap

Cleanup Supplies For Blood Spills

  • Disinfecting Chemical.  A bleach / water solution works well (1 part bleach, 9 parts water).
  • Thick, highly absorbent paper towels or rags.
  • Kitty litter works well for absorbing bigger blood spills.
  • Utilize a scooper or scraper.
  • ​Red biohazard bags, tape, and boxes.

Cleaning Up Blood On Hard Surfaces

For heavily blood saturated areas, use kitty litter to soak up the bulk of the body fluids. Then use a scoop or scraper to shovel the kitty litter into biohazard bags. When the bulk of the blood is contained, saturate the area with your disinfectant chemical. Allow the disinfectant to soak for several minutes before wiping up the blood. After there is no more visible blood, apply your disinfecting chemical to the already cleaned surface, allow it to sit for several minutes, and wipe away. This ensures thorough decontamination of any potential bloodborne hazards.

Cleaning Up Blood On Hard Surfaces

biohazard transport services in Hernando County, FL

Blood is considered a biohazard and there are regulations on how to transport and dispose of it in the state of Florida.  By law, the vehicle that will be transporting the biohazardous waste must be registered with the Department of Health and the company must be licensed to transport and generate biomedical waste.  Body fluids should be contained in clearly labeled biohazard bags.  These bags must be sealed and placed into biohazard boxes on which a label must be attached including the business name, address, and four digit Department of Health number.  These boxes can then be transported to a biohazard waste disposal facility where it is usually either incinerated or steamed for sterilization.

Bloodborne Diseases
Blood Safety
Blood Disinfectants
Biomedical Waste Program
Infectious Diseases
Blood Cleanup Polk County FL