Spill protocol in hazardous drug management: which statement is correct?

• A. Contain spill using appropriate PPE and spill kit; follow cleanup procedures; report per policy.
• B. Ignore small spills.
• C. Use plain soap and water to clean and reuse materials.
• D. Wait for a supervisor to arrive before acting.

Answer: (A)

When a hazardous drug spill occurs, the priority is to contain it immediately using the proper PPE and the spill kit, then follow the established cleanup procedures and report the incident per policy. Putting on the correct PPE and using the spill kit to trap and control the spill minimizes worker exposure and prevents spread. After containment, you carry out the specific cleanup steps outlined in the protocol—using approved absorbents and decontaminants, collecting and disposing of contaminated materials as hazardous waste, and then decontaminating surfaces as instructed. Finally, report the spill according to policy so the event is documented and any required follow-up actions or training can occur. This approach protects health, ensures the use of validated tools and steps, and maintains proper waste handling and reporting.

Avoiding or delaying action is unsafe: ignoring small spills or waiting for someone else undermines safety and policy. Using plain soap and water on reusable materials does not address hazardous contamination and can spread it, and waiting for a supervisor delays protection and adherence to the documented procedure.