What to do after a biohazard incident at work or home

A biohazard incident involving blood, bodily fluids or other biological contamination needs a careful response. The first priority is always safety.

If the incident is ongoing or someone is injured, call the emergency services first. Do not attempt to clean up while there is still a medical or safety risk.

Once the immediate situation is under control, prevent access to the affected area. Close doors, use barriers if available, and make sure children, pets and vulnerable people cannot enter.

Do not attempt to clean significant biological contamination with household products. Standard cleaning sprays are not designed for biohazard materials and can spread contamination rather than remove it.

Remove any clothing or items that have been directly contaminated and seal them in a plastic bag. Do not shake them or place them with uncontaminated laundry.

Take photographs of the affected area from a safe distance if you need them for records. Do not get close enough to risk exposure.

Call a specialist biohazard cleaning service as soon as possible. The sooner professional decontamination begins, the better the outcome for the property and the people using it.

When the cleaning team arrives, explain what happened, show them the affected areas, and let them assess the full scope before work begins. They will handle waste disposal, disinfection and verification.