How to Act in Case of Cytotoxic Spillage

1. Personal decontamination
  • Put off contaminated clothing
  • Flush contaminated skin immediately with lots of cold, running water
  • Rinse splashes in the eye for at least
  • 10 min. with lots of water or isotonic saline solution; consult an ophtamologist without delay
2. Follow the instructions
  • Follow instruction manual
  • Decontamination only by qualified person
3. Put on appropriate PPE
  • Particle filter mask FFP3
  • Protective eyewear
  • Coverall
  • Gloves (two pairs)
  • Overshoes
4. Secure contaminated area- Immediately secure contaminated surfaces-
Mark the area by using chalk
  • Shut down ventilation system
  • Close windows
  • Turn on ventilation in workbench
  • Prevent personal traffic
  • Put up a warning notice
5. Cleaning Procedure
  • Collect broken glass with scraper and dustpan
  • Use high-absorbency cloths to bind liquids
  • For dry substances work with pre-wetted wipes
  • Work from outside to inside to avoid enlarging contaminated area
  • Rinse with large amounts of water
  • Clean with an alcaline detergent and finally with 70% Isopropanol
6. Disposal of waste (contaminated cloths, etc.)
  • Put broken glass in a cardboard box
  • Put any material used for decontamination into a liquid-tight waste bag
  • After the decontamination process, put off contaminated clothes: first overshoes, then gloves, coverall (turn left), undergloves, safety goggle, particle filter mask 
  • Put waste bag and contaminated PPE into a cytostatics waste container
  • Clean contaminated area thoroughly
7. Shower and consult a doctor
  • Any employee involved should have a shower first
  • Consult the doctor as a precautionary measure
8. Documentation

The described procedure is only an example and needs to be specifically defined by the responsible personnel, depending on circumstances on site.