Health and Safety Executive

OCE Cleaning up body fluids

Offshore COSHH Control approach 1 essentials General ventilation

This information will help offshore What this sheet covers dutyholders (owners, operators and This sheet describes good practice for clearing up body fluids – vomit, contractors) to comply with the Control faeces, blood etc. It covers the key points you need to follow to help of Substances Hazardous to Health reduce exposure to an acceptable level, as part of your COSHH Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to assessment. protect workers’ health. Hazards This guidance consolidates good control 3 Body fluids are a source of infectious micro-organisms (bacteria, practice and reinforces existing knowledge viruses and fungi). with additional information. 3 The main risk is infection following hand to mouth/nose/eye contact. 3 There is also a risk of infection via broken skin (cuts or scratches). It will help you carry out COSHH 3 Cleaning products may contain hazardous substances such as assessments, review existing assessments, biocides and surfactants. deliver training and in supervising activities 3 Health effects from cleaning products include irritation, dermatitis and involving substances hazardous to health. breathing problems.

It is aimed at staff whose responsibilities Access include the management of substances 3 Erect barriers and notices. hazardous to health on offshore installations (eg occupational health Storage specialists, COSHH assessors, supervisors 3 Store cleaning products and materials in a designated area. etc). It is also useful for trade union and employee safety representatives. Equipment and procedures Control equipment Following this guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But 3 Provide dedicated cleaning equipment. if you do follow this guidance, you will 3 Chlorine-releasing disinfectant is suitable, eg hypochlorite solution. normally be doing enough to comply with 3 Provide closeable containers and bags, labelled ‘Clinical waste’. the law. Health and safety inspectors seek 3 Provide buckets with disinfectant and long-handled brushes for personal decontamination at the exit point. to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good Control procedures practice. 3 Ensure a good standard of general ventilation. Also see essential information on the back 3 Scrape up residues into the closeable container, for safe disposal. of the sheet. 3 Bag up contaminated material that needs laundry or disposal, eg bedding, clothing. 3 Wash surfaces clean with detergent before disinfecting. 3 Heavily fouled soft furnishings may need bagging for disposal as clinical waste.

Cleaning up body fluids OCE23 General ventilation

First aid 3 Provide sterile wipes and clean water to cleanse wounds. 3 Keep a supply of sterile adhesive waterproof dressings nearby. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – see OCM3 3 Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not needed. Other protective equipment 3 Provide eye protection – a full-face visor. 3 Provide disposable coveralls with a hood. 3 Provide a disposable plastic apron. 3 Provide wellingtons or waterproof disposable overshoes. 3 Provide waterproof, abrasion-resistant gloves, eg nitrile. 3 Ensure that all cuts and abrasions are covered with a waterproof dressing before work begins.

Cleaning and housekeeping Decontamination 3 Assume that everything that might be contacted by body fluids is contaminated. 3 Clean and disinfect the area after the task. 3 Use the ‘buddy’ system to decontaminate PPE and work clothing – minimise the spread of contamination. 3 Change out of work clothing before exiting the area. 3 Provide bags labelled ‘Clinical waste – Biohazard’ for all contaminated PPE. 3 Disinfect or sterilise reusable work equipment. 3 Ensure that waste from the cleaning of body fluids is disposed of safely according to local rules and regulations.

Caution: If soiled, bag up work clothes for laundry as a separate load.

Personal decontamination and skin care 3 Wash before eating or drinking, and after touching any surface or object that might be contaminated. 3 Provide warm water, mild skin cleansers, nailbrushes, and soft paper, fabric towels or hot air for drying. Avoid abrasive cleansers. 3 Instruct workers in how to clean their skin effectively. 3 Provide pre-work skin creams, which will make it easier to wash dirt from the skin, and after-work creams to replace skin oils.

Caution: ‘Barrier creams’ or ‘liquid gloves’ do not provide a full barrier.

Health surveillance 3 Conduct skin checks for dermatitis. 3 Keep good records of gastric upsets – monitor that personal hygiene is adequate. 3 Where appropriate, make available effective vaccines for those workers at risk of repeated exposure to body fluids.

Cleaning up body fluids OCE23 General ventilation

Training and supervision Employee checklist 3 Provide supervision – ensure that safe work procedures are followed. Are you clear about the 3 Tell workers, including maintenance workers, what the hazards and procedures for doing the risks are. job? 3 Explain the early signs of dermatitis. Clean up leaks and spills 3 Training includes toolbox talks on: immediately. n how to use the right safe working procedures; Look for signs of wear n checking for damage; and damage to n personal hygiene; equipment. n how to decontaminate effectively; and If you find any problem, n what to do if something goes wrong. get it fixed. Don’t just 3 Involve managers and supervisors in health and safety training. carry on working. Report all illnesses to Essential information your supervisor. OCE0 Advice for managers Use, look after and store OCM3 Personal protective equipment (PPE) your PPE in accordance OCE22 Cleaning accommodation and facilities with instructions. Wash hands before eating, drinking or using the lavatory.

Further information Working with sewage: The health hazards – A guide for employees Pocket card INDG197 HSE Books 1995 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ indg197.pdf

You can find the full Offshore COSHH essentials series at www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm

This guidance was developed by representatives from the UK offshore oil and gas industry and trade unions, with HSE.

© Crown copyright 2011 Published by the Health and Safety Executive 03/11