Biological Exposures

Remove protective clothing or PPE as needed to gain access to the affected area
Wash hands
Wash the affected part while allowing the wound to bleed freely (if applicable). Use soap if available, but avoid strong chemical disinfectants that can damage skin, e.g. bleach
Apply an appropriate disinfectant from the first aid kit (e.g. antibiotic ointment).
Notify the PI or lab supervisor and inform them of the circumstances of the injury, including what was being handled at the time.
For ALL Needlesticks, Human Blood or Body Fluid exposures in the Gainesville area call (866) 477-6824 (OUCH) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For known biohazard exposures
- During normal business hours, contact the SHCC at 352-294-5700.
- After normal business hours, or if the SHCC is not availabe, contact your personal physician or proceed to the immediate care facilities listed on the worker’s comp web site: http://hr.ufl.edu/manager-resources/employee-relations/workers-compensation/
Jacksonville UF employees should report to the Employee Health Office in Suite 505, Tower 1, 5th and Jefferson from 7 AM to 4:30 PM. After hours proceed to the Emergency Room.
If you are on an off-site rotation further than one-hour travel time from UF campus, seek care at the nearest medical facility.

Proceed to the nearest eyewash station and activate it
Rinse face/mouth/nose/eyes
Eyes should be flushed for at least 15 minutes.
Forcibly hold eye open to ensure effective rinsing behind eyelids.
Move eye side-to-side and up-down during rinsing.
Remove contact lenses.
Place contaminated clothing in a red bag or biohazard bag for decontamination.
Obtain medical treatment: call the Needlestick-Biopath Hotline at (866) 477-6824. They will direct you on what further action to take.
Watch for symptoms of exposure or delayed onset effects.
Report incident to PI/supervisor and Biological Safety Office (352) 392-1591.

Source: UF Environmental Health & Safety

Version Date: 06/07/2012; Revised 4/9/14.

Environmental Health & Safety