What is the first essential step in handling a chemotherapy spill?

• A. Put on PPE
• B. Contain spill with absorbent material per spill kit
• C. Clean surfaces with approved agents
• D. Document the spill

Answer: (A)

Putting on the appropriate personal protective equipment before doing anything else is the first essential step. Hazardous chemotherapy drugs can irritate or harm skin, eyes, and airways if they contact you or become airborne, so the PPE acts as your critical barrier to exposure as you start the response. Once you’re protected, you can safely move to contain the spill with absorbent material from the spill kit to prevent it from spreading, then clean the area with the approved decontaminant, dispose of contaminated materials properly, and finally document the spill and notify the appropriate person. The reason PPE comes first is that without it, every subsequent action—containment, cleaning, and documentation—risks exposing you and others to hazardous drugs.