Some info on skin decontamination.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225134/
Washing with soap and water has always been assumed to remove chemical and biological materials from the skin. However, recent evidence suggests that penetration and systemic absorption/toxicity may actually be increased by washing (Wester and Maibach, 1999b, 1999c). Washing is also ineffective for decontaminating painted surfaces. Appendix D describes in vitro and in vivo techniques for determining if skin has been decontaminated.
Because several biological agents pose a percutaneous threat to a contaminated individual, respiratory protection alone may not provide adequate protection, although in most instances respiratory protection will be sufficient for short-term protection, provided decontamination of the skin is initiated relatively quickly (Johnson, 1990; LeDuc, 1989; Mikolich and Boyce, 1990).
The 0.5 percent hypochlorite solution, which has been used since World War I, is currently recommended for decontamination of all biological agents (Ali et al., 1997). However, it cannot be used in abdominal wounds, open chest wounds, on nervous tissue, or in the eye.
TAKEAWAYS FOR BELOW GUIDELINES
Use high quality fresh bleach dilute 1:10
Solution degrades fast 1:10 bleach solution has a shelf life of 24 hours
If applying to skin I would wash off with soap and water after a couple of minutes.
Corrosive to metals, important to wipe down metal surfaces with water or ethanol after treating them with a bleach solution.
GUIDELINES FOR USING SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE AS A DISINFECTANT FOR BIOLOGICAL WASTE
Guidelines for the use of sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant for biological waste Version 1.0
Prepared By: Animal Research Safety Consultant, Dr. Nicole Girotti Date: Sept.24th, 2015Approved By: City-Wide Occupational Health & Safety and Workplace Health Final Approvalec. 11th, 2015
INTRODUCTION
Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach,is most frequently used as a disinfecting agent. It is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective for the disinfection of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mycobacterium. However, sodium hypochlorite is NOT effective in the disinfection of bacterial spores and prions.
CONCENTRATION& CONTACT TIME
The appropriate concentration of sodium hypochlorite for disinfecting general liquid biological waste is 5000 ppm, approximately 0.5%. Household bleach is 5 -6 % sodium hypochlorite;therefore a 1:10 (v/v) dilution of bleach to liquid biological waste is appropriate.For biological waste containing a high organic load(e.g. blood, proteins, or lipids) the appropriate concentration of sodium hypochlorite is 10000ppm, approximately 1%, therefore a 1:5 (v/v) dilution of bleach to liquid biological waste is appropriate.
Minimum Contact time:
Surface disinfection -1 min Liquid waste disinfection -20 min
Important Notes:
Discount brands of bleach may have lower concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and "colour safe" bleach contains NO sodium hypochlorite (hydrogen peroxide), these products should NOTbe used for the disinfection of biological waste. Sodium hypochlorite is known to be corrosive to metals, therefore, it important to wipe down metal surfaces with water or ethanol after treating them with a bleach solution.
STABILITY & STORAGE
Bleach should be stored between 2-8°C (50-70°F). According to Clorox, undiluted household bleach has a shelf life of six months to one year from the date of manufacture, after which bleach degrades at a rate of 20% each year until totally degraded to salt and water, and a 1:10 bleach solution has a shelf life of 24 hours.Bleach must be stored separately from corrosives, soaps, detergents or other cleaning products.
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