HD spill simulations occur rarely, or infrequently at best. Yet a simple simulation provides clear feedback as to your staff’s preparedness to respond to a spill; for example, can they quickly cordon off the area, access the required PPE, and identify the appropriate chain of command? It is notable that spill simulations are particularly rare in the receiving area where staff may not have extensive familiarity with HD protocols. Consider adding spill simulations to the Designated Person’s responsibilities while including a caveat to avoid conducting these in high-traffic public areas.

When spill kits arrive without an expiration date, just under one-third of facilities are currently adding an expiration label to their spill kits. Given that spill kits can sit unused on a shelf for a long time before being urgently needed, adding a label with a 5-year expiration date is a recommended best practice.

The commitment to conducting HD spill drills is waning across all areas of the facility and this is particularly evident in patient care and receiving areas. Given that these areas are less likely to have personnel with extensive HD training, it makes sense to assign drill responsibilities to the DP.