Who should clean up a hazardous drug spill?

• A. Trained person with appropriate PPE
• B. Nurse
• C. Janitor
• D. Patient

Answer: (A)

Handling a hazardous drug spill requires specialized training and the right protective gear to prevent exposure. A trained person with appropriate PPE knows the exact steps to take: safely contain and isolate the spill, use the proper spill kit materials to absorb and remove the drug, perform surface decontamination with approved disinfectants, and dispose of contaminated materials as hazardous waste. This minimizes the risk of skin, eye, or inhalation exposure and prevents spreading contamination to others or areas.

While a nurse may be trained in many aspects of patient care, and janitors perform routine cleaning, cleanup of hazardous drug spills typically requires the specific training and PPE (such as appropriate gloves, gown, eye/face protection, and sometimes respirators) and procedures outlined in the facility’s spill protocol. Patients should not attempt cleanup due to high exposure risk.