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Biological waste
Hospitality and entertainment workers may come into contact with blood and body fluids, for example a worker may be required to clean up a blood or vomit spill, dispose of a discarded needle and syringe or handle soiled laundry. This may expose workers to infectious disease risks, including blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV (the virus that can cause AIDS).
Ways to control hazards
- Instruct workers to:
- Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and always adopt safe working procedures where there may be contact with blood and body fluids.
- Wash hands after contact with blood and body fluids and after removing gloves.
- Cover cuts and abrasions with a water-resistant dressing.
- Provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (such as disposable gloves) for tasks that involve contact with blood and body fluids.
- Develop procedures for the handling and disposal of waste that is contaminated with blood and body fluids. For example, place contaminated waste in a sealed plastic bag for disposal.
- Clean surfaces and items that are contaminated with blood and body fluids using warm water and detergent. If disinfection is required after cleaning, use a suitable disinfectant such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
- Develop procedures for the sorting, handling, storage, transport and laundering of linen that is soiled with blood and body fluids.
- Provide staff with adequate amenities for hand washing, including running water, soap and single-use towels.
Last updated July 22, 2005
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