A biological spill shall be followed by prompt action to contain and clean up the spill. When a spill occurs, warn everyone in the area and call for assistance as needed. The degree of risk involved in the spill depends on the volume of material spilled, the potential concentration of organisms in the material spilled, the hazard of the organisms involved, the route of infection of the organisms, and the diseases caused by the organisms.

Spills of biological agents can contaminate areas and lead to infection of laboratory workers. Prevention of exposure is the primary goal in spill containment and cleanup, exactly as in chemical spills. In evaluating the risks of spill response, generation of aerosols or droplets is a major consideration.

If an accident generates droplets or aerosols in the laboratory room atmosphere, especially if the agent involved requires containment at Biosafety Level 2 or higher, the room shall be evacuated immediately.

Doors shall be closed and clothing decontaminated. Call ORS to supervise the cleanup. In general, a 30-minute wair is sufficient for the droplets to settle and aerosols to be reduced by air changes. Longer wairing periods may be imposed depending on the situation. Laboratory personnel and/or ORS must exercise judgment as to the need for outside emergency help in evacuation.

If a spill of a biological agent requiring containment at Biosafety Level 2 or higher occurs in a public area, evacuation of the area shall be immediate. The principal investigator shall be responsible for designating the extent of evacuation until ORS or emergency personnel arrive. Prevention of exposure to hazardous aerosols is of primary importance.

Anyone cleaning a spill shall wear personal protective equipment (for example, laboratory coat, shoe covers, gloves, and possible respiratory protection) to prevent exposure to organisms. An air-purifying negative-pressure respirator with P-100 filter cartridges is generally adequate protection against inhalation of most biological agents. However, there may be exceptions.