Biological Exposures

Needlestick, Cuts or Non-Intact Skin Biological Exposure

• 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.
• Report exposures as indicated below.

Splash to Face, Eyes or Mucous Membranes

• 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.
• Notify the PI or lab supervisor and inform them of the circumstances of the injury, including what was being handled at the time.
• Report exposures as indicated below.

Report all biological exposures as follows:

Human Blood or Body Fluid (BBP/OPIM) exposures:

• UF employees (except for those at UF Health Jacksonville): Call (352) 265-2727 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Jacksonville employees should report to the Employee Health Office in Suite 505, Tower 1, 5th and Jefferson from 7 AM to 4:30 PM. For after-hours exposures, proceed to the Emergency Room.

Immediately after you have been evaluated/treated, contact AmeriSys at 1-800-455-2079 to report the incident.

For non-BBP biological exposures (i.e. percutaneous or splash exposure to an infectious biological agent), contact AmeriSys at 1-800-455-2079 to report the incident and obtain authorization for medical treatment (if needed).  You should also report the incident to the Biosafety Office (392-1591 or bso@ehs.ufl.edu).