Procedures for Biohazards and Mold
Procedures for Biohazards | Procedures for Mold
The Biohazard Procedures Policy familiarizes employees with the major steps involved in responding to situations in which it is suspected that library materials have become contaminated with body fluids.
The Mold Infestations Policy is a brief procedure to familiarize employees with the major steps involved in responding to situations in which it is suspected that library materials or building infrastructure (shelves, etc.) have become contaminated with mold or mold-like material.
Procedures for Biohazards
Rationale
The Biohazard Procedures Policy familiarizes employees with the major steps involved in responding to situations in which it is suspected that library materials have become contaminated with body fluids.
Policy
If you suspect that library material is a biohazard, meaning that it has been contaminated with human or animal body fluids such as blood, vomit, semen, or fecal matter, DO NOT TOUCH. Contact the Customer and Access Services Department (CASD, 855-2304). Custodial Staff, Stack Supervisors, and Circulation Supervisors have been trained in the proper handling and disposal of biohazard material. Material can remain as a biohazard for several days, even after the body fluids appear to have dried. If you suspect that you may have come in direct contact with a biohazard, wash the affected body part with bio-safety soap found in marked dispensers in the 1st floor lobby and ground floor (near the freight elevator) restrooms. Wash for at least 30 seconds, scrubbing thoroughly and rinse well. Report the incident to your supervisor and complete an Occupational Illness And Injury Report.
Disposal of Biohazard Material
- Use latex or nitrile gloves when handling suspected biohazard material.
- Place biohazard material inside an orange biohazard bag (available from CAS). Take care not to contaminate the outside of the bag while placing material into it. Remove contaminated gloves and place in bag. Use proper technique when removing gloves, to avoid hand contact with contaminants.
- Tie biohazard bag and place in white biohazard transport container (biohazard transport container available in CAS).
- Wash hands with the anti-microbial green soap found in the restrooms for at least 30 seconds, scrubbing thoroughly and rinse well.
- Contact IU Environmental Health and Safety (856-2351) to schedule an appointment to have the biohazard material picked up for proper disposal.
- A narrative report detailing the incident should be completed and forwarded via e-mailto Randy Lent (lent@indiana.edu) for distribution to appropriate administrators.
See also the Injury-On-The-Job policy (4.5) in the Indiana University Personnel Policies Handbook for Clerical Staff at Bloomington.
Procedures for Molds
Rationale
The Mold Infestations Policy is a brief procedure to familiarize employees with the major steps involved in responding to situations in which it is suspected that library materials or building infrastructure (shelves, etc.) have become contaminated with mold or mold-like material.
Policy
Mold is not only a cause of damage to library materials; it is also a biohazard. Mold can cause severe allergic, respiratory and other health problems in those that come in contact with or handle it. Consequently, all staff members shall ensure that procedures are followed to reduce the spread of mold within the library and to reduce the threat of exposure for staff and library users.
- If mold or any suspected mold-like material is discovered in the library, whether on books or on floors, walls or shelving, notify the Preservation Department of the location immediately (5-6282). DO NOT handle materials or attempt to clean up the area.
- If the mold infestation appears extensive (e.g., more than a few books, or on large areas of other surfaces), isolate the area and keep users out until Preservation staff can make an assessment.
- If materials returned by users are moldy or appear to have a mold infestation, print the item record including the charge information (patron ID of the borrower, due date, etc.). Discharge the item and seal the moldy items in a plastic bag. Notify the Preservation Department (5-6282) and arrange to bring the item to them or to have the item picked up. If it is outside normal business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday), seal items in a plastic bag, place in a refrigerator, and transport to Preservation at the earliest opportunity. DO NOT send moldy materials through the mail. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly before handling other library materials. Preservation staff will notify the Facilities, Operations and Renovation Officer about the problem. Salvage and clean-up will be coordinated with Physical Plant, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and other appropriate campus agencies.