How to Safely Remove Blood at Work

Blood and bodily fluids can be exposed at any time in the workplace–whether it be due to a small paper cut or a more severe issue resulting from a fall or blow from a blunt object. Where there is any amount of blood or bodily fluids, there is always a risk of potential infection, disease, and contamination when not handled properly. If you’re here, you’re likely aware of the potential risks and looking for the proper way to handle the situation.

If your situation takes up a puddle or an area larger than a small dinner plate, you need a biohazard cleanup company. Treat it as an emergency–contact the National Crime Scene Cleanup (NCSC) right away at 1-844-255-2461.

If the situation affects a small affected area, like a few drops from a scratch, or the size of a small stain on a desk or tool, then you can follow the steps below to clean it. We do not recommend using these steps to clean your own or another person’s blood in event of a serious situation without having the proper training or licensing.

Wear Gloves

The first thing you should do is put on gloves. Even when you are removing a small speck or a stain of dried blood from fabric, gloves add an additional layer of protection and prevent spreading contamination. Your workplace should have protective gloves as a part of a first aid kit. If your employer is all out or doesn’t have any gloves, you can buy basic protective gloves at most pharmacies, general stores, Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

To clean the blood stain, you’ll want to use a solution that breaks down the proteins in blood and bodily fluids.

Avoid Bleach

The first thing that often comes to mind is to use a bleach solution or rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is useful to disinfect the surface, however, your best bet is to avoid bleach altogether. Bleach is an extremely harsh chemical that does more harm than good. Seek a vinegar-based natural cleaning solution instead, or an enzymatic-based cleaner that contains protease.

Let the cleaning solution soak on the stain or surface for a few minutes.

Wipe Down Surfaces

After spraying the surface down, you’ll want to wipe the surfaces down using a paper towel. You can also use a cloth here, however assuming that it is an office or workplace setting, a paper towel is likely more accessible. A paper towel is fine for this use, although you might have to use some physical effort to clear out the stain depending on how embedded it is into the surface.

The paper towels, as long as they are not thoroughly saturated with blood, can be disposed of in the regular garbage.

Tricks to Remove Blood from Paper

A common question is if there is a possible way to remove blood from paper. In event of a paper cut or a peeled scab, blood from a minor wound can stain paperwork. Due to how blood bonds with paper at a molecular level and how paper absorbs water and fluids, it can be difficult to remove the stain. The best thing you can do is to act quickly using a cotton ball with cold water. Dab the stain with the cold water just enough to dilute it. Then take a dry paper towel and dab the stained area to absorb the water and moisture. It’s important to use only cold water, as warm or hot water can create permanent bonds with the stain.

Disinfect the Area

Though the affected area may be small, following up the area with a disinfectant is important to stop further contamination. The disinfectant helps prevent any nonvisible germs or pathogens from infecting or spreading. For this purpose, rubbing alcohol should be suitable. Dilute straight 70% rubbing alcohol with water in a spray bottle and spray down the area. Wipe it down with additional paper towels and dry the area with dry paper towels.

Dispose of the paper towels in the garbage.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Wash Your Hands

Once the blood is no longer visible, the surface has been disinfected, and the towels have been thrown away, you can remove your gloves to wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If your workplace does not have soap, you may use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Be sure to get in between your fingers, the back of your hands, and under the nails.

Remember, when it comes to your health, you don’t want to take any chances. In severe situations be sure to hire a fully licensed, bonded, and insured biohazard remediation company like National Crime Scene Cleanup (NCSC). Call us at any time 1-844-255-2461.