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 Covid-19 Virus, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mycobacterium. This chemical is also being used in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab, for disinfecting buildings and solid surfaces in a bid to wash away any presence of Novel Coronavirus.
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 NOT be 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.
Global Harmonized System (GHS) classification of sodium hypochlorite solution:
Skin corrosion/irritation (Sub-category 1B)
Serious eye damage/eye irritation (Category 1)
Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 1)
Minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that MUST be worn when preparing or handling a sodium hypochlorite solution:
1. Nitrile Rubber Gloves; and
2. Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Approved Safety Glasses; and
3. Respiratory protection (NIOSH Approved) should be used any time there is the potential for exposure to vapour and/or dust and a fume hood cannot be used; and
4. Lab coat.
If sodium hypochlorite comes in contact with other cleaners containing ammonia or chlorine compounds, fatal levels for ammonia gas or chlorine gas can be produced. Never mix bleach with other chemicals.
In the case of an exposure to eyes or skin, flush the area for 15 to 20 minutes with running water.
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