Introduction
As a janitorial worker, I occasionally have to deal with biohazard incidents in public restrooms. While messy and unpleasant, these situations can be handled safely if proper precautions are taken. In this article, I will share dos and don’ts for responding to public restroom biohazards based on my experience.
What Constitutes a Biohazard?
A biohazard is any biological material that can cause disease or infection. Common biohazards in public restrooms include:
- Blood from injuries, menstrual fluid, etc.
- Feces or urine outside the toilet
- Vomit
- Used needles or drug paraphernalia
- Condom spillage
Exposure to these hazards can spread illnesses like HIV, hepatitis, e.coli, norovirus, and more. It’s crucial to treat all bodily fluids and waste as potentially infectious.
Dos for Handling Biohazard Incidents
When a biohazard occurs in a public restroom, follow these best practices:
Close Off the Area
- Cordon off the affected restroom or stall to prevent access.
- Put up wet floor signs or caution tape.
- Lock the restroom door if possible.
This protects public health by stopping direct contact with the hazard.
Use Proper Protective Gear
- Wear disposable gloves, face mask, goggles, and gown.
- Make sure PPE covers all skin and clothes.
- Change gloves frequently to avoid cross-contamination.
PPE is the first line of defense against exposure and illness.
Carefully Clean and Disinfect
- Remove bulk material with absorbent agents (e.g. kitty litter).
- Scrub surfaces thoroughly with detergent and water.
- Disinfect all contaminated areas with EPA-registered products like bleach.
- Allow proper contact time for disinfectants to work.
Proper cleaning removes infectious agents and prevents further spread.
Dispose of Waste Safely
- Place solid waste in leak-proof bags for disposal.
- Dispose of liquid waste appropriately based on local regulations.
- Designate mops and cleaning tools for biohazard use only.
Containment and specialized equipment reduce the risk of contact.
Wash Hands and Decontaminate Gear
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water when finished.
- Fully decontaminate or safely discard PPE.
- Sanitize any reusable gear before storage.
Good hygiene after handling biohazards prevents accidental infection.
Dont’s for Biohazard Incidents
There are also some things you should never do when handling public restroom biohazards:
Don’t Use Bare Hands
- Avoid direct skin contact with fluids or waste.
- Do not attempt to clean soiled areas without gloves.
Bare hands greatly raise the risk of exposure and illness.
Don’t Spread Contamination
- Never walk around the restroom with soiled PPE or tools.
- Don’t track waste out of the area on shoes or equipment.
This can transfer infectious agents around the restroom or building.
Don’t Mix Chemicals
- Never mix bleach or disinfectants with other cleansers like ammonia.
- Read all product labels carefully before use.
Toxic fumes can result from combining incompatible chemicals.
Don’t Flush Waste
- Do not attempt to flush bulk blood, vomit, feces, etc.
- Clogged drains can lead to overflowing waste.
Flushing biohazards creates plumbing problems and health risks.
Don’t Ignore PPE Protocols
- Never reuse disposable gloves, gowns, or masks between tasks.
- Don’t wear contaminated gear into clean areas.
This negates the purpose of PPE for infection control.
Conclusion
Biohazard incidents in public restrooms can seem daunting. But by following good dos and don’ts for PPE use, isolation, cleaning, disinfection, and waste disposal, they can be handled safely and effectively. The highest priorities are protecting human health, preventing disease transmission, and properly decontaminating affected areas. With caution and proper precautions, restroom biohazards don’t have to be scary situations.
