Spill Response Protocol

Spill Response Protocol

HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK

Safe (Preventing Harm & Protecting Patients)

Effective Date: 12th May 2025

Review Date: 12th May 2026

Approved by: Managing Director

 

1. Purpose

This protocol provides a structured and safe approach to managing spills of body fluids, sharps-related waste, or leaked substances (e.g. cleansers, medications, blood products) within the clinic. It aims to prevent infection risk, chemical exposure, cross-contamination, and reputational harm.

 

2. Scope

This protocol applies to:

  • All staff (clinical and non-clinical)

  • All areas of the premises including clinical rooms, toilets, reception, corridors, and staff facilities

  • Spills involving: blood, vomit, urine, faeces, chemical agents, topical products, dermal fillers, PRP, or injectable substances

 

3. Spill Kit Locations

Spill kits are located at:

Location

Kit Type

Clinic Treatment Room

Full body fluid and chemical spill kit

Reception/Entrance Cupboard

Standard cleaning and chemical spill kit

Toilet corridor cupboard

Urine/faeces spill clean-up kit

Each kit includes:

  • Disposable apron & gloves (PPE)

  • Eye protection

  • Hazard warning sign

  • Absorbent granules or powder

  • Clinical waste disposal bags

  • Scoop/scraper and disposable cloths

  • Disinfectant or chlorine-releasing agent

  • Instruction sheet

 

4. Staff Training & Responsibilities

  • All staff receive spill response training during induction and annual refresher sessions.

  • It is the responsibility of the staff member who discovers the spill to:

    • Make the area safe

    • Notify others

    • Begin the spill clean-up (or escalate if clinical/chemical)

  • Only trained clinical staff should manage high-risk spills involving blood, sharps, or regulated substances

 

5. PPE Requirements for Spills

Spill Type

Required PPE

Blood or PRP

Gloves, apron, eye protection, face mask

Vomit/faeces/urine

Gloves, apron, face mask if aerosolised

Chemical/product leak

Gloves, apron, eye protection (as per MSDS)

All PPE must be disposed of in clinical waste following use.

 

6. Procedure for Spill Management

A. For Body Fluid Spills (Blood, Vomit, PRP, Urine, Faeces)

  1. Isolate area: Place a hazard sign and restrict access

  2. Apply PPE (as above)

  3. Cover the spill with granules or absorbent powder

  4. Allow contact time (minimum 2 minutes or as per instructions)

  5. Scoop up residue using a disposable scoop and cloth

  6. Disinfect the area with a chlorine-releasing agent (1,000ppm) or an approved disinfectant

  7. Dispose of all materials into the clinical waste bin

  8. Wash hands thoroughly

  9. Log the incident in the spill log (include location, type, response, staff involved)

  10. Report to the Clinical Lead or DSL if the spill involved blood or high-risk material

 

B. For Chemical or Product Spills

  1. Check MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) if applicable

  2. Evacuate area if required (based on product risk)

  3. Wear appropriate chemical PPE

  4. Contain and absorb the spill

  5. Clean area with appropriate detergent/disinfectant

  6. Dispose of waste as hazardous or general waste (depending on substance)

  7. Complete a COSHH incident report if chemical exposure occurred

 

7. Escalation & Reporting

  • All blood or PRP spills, chemical exposure, or injuries during clean-up must be reported to the Clinical Governance Lead or DSL immediately

  • If the spill results in staff or patient exposure, complete an Incident Report Form and follow the Incident Reporting & Escalation Policy

  • Near misses must also be logged to support clinic audit and safety planning

 

8. Review & Monitoring

  • Spill response logs are reviewed quarterly

  • This protocol will be reviewed annually or after any serious spill incident

  • Compliance with this protocol is included in annual staff audits and IPC inspections

 

Policy Owner: Clinical Governance Lead

Approved by: Managing Director

Next Review: 12th May 2026