Managing Spills

Nurses can minimize exposure to hazardous drugs with the use personal protective equipment and careful technique.  Spill kits should be available wherever chemotherapy is located.  Although they are commercially available, a clinicians can assemble their own kit if they choose to.

Contents of a Hazardous Drug Spill Kit

• Absorbent chemotherapy pads and towels
• 2 disposable chemotherapy-resistant gowns (with back closure)
• 2 pairs of chemotherapy-resistant shoe covers
• 4 pairs of chemotherapy gloves
• 2 pairs of chemical splash goggles
• 2 respirator masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• 1 disposable dustpan
• 1 plastic scraper
• 1puncture-proof container for glass
• 2 large heavy-duty waste sealable disposal bags
• 1 hazardous waste label (if bags are unlabeled)

Reference:  American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (2006). ASHP guidelines on handling hazardous drugs. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 63, 1172-1191.