To help prevent the spread of COVID-9, it is important to clean and disinfect surfaces such as countertops, faucet handles, and doorknobs.

However, you must be cautious. Disinfectants contain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered pesticides that can cause harm, especially if not used as directed.

 

Many chemical disinfectants can be harmful to workers if they are unsafely handled and/or improperly used. Therefore, it is important that disinfectants are selected and used properly to ensure effective disinfection and avoid harm to individuals and damage to surfaces.

 

 

Dangers of Misuse

Recent news articles, and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have highlighted an increase in accidental poisonings in some areas across the world. In response, the Center for Biocide Chemistries developed a fact sheet that provides guidance on some dos and don’ts for the safe use of disinfectant products.

 

 

safety when using disinfectants

Ensure safety when using disinfectants

 

 

 

Tips for Using Disinfectants Safely

 

Carefully Select Appropriate Disinfectants

The disinfectant and its concentration should be carefully selected to avoid damaging surfaces and to avoid or minimize toxic effects on household members (or users of public spaces).

Select the appropriate disinfectant based on the type of surface to be disinfected (e.g., hard surface, soft surface, electronics, fabric, etc.)

 

 

Do Not Mix Disinfectants!

Avoid combining disinfectants, such as bleach and ammonia, since mixtures can cause respiratory irritation and release potentially fatal gases.

NEVER mix disinfectants with cleaners, other disinfectants, or other chemicals

  • Mixing some chemical disinfectants with other chemical substances could be hazardous. For example, the toxic gas chlorine can be released if you mix sodium hypochlorite (bleaching solutions) and acidic cleaning agents.
  • Mixing a disinfectant with anything else could change its properties and it may no longer be effective.

 

 

Don’t Overuse Disinfectants

Although we are in a crisis situation with COVID-19, remember that disinfecting kills all microorganisms, good and bad. Overuse can contribute to unintended consequences, such as causing health effects and promoting the growth of antibiotic-resistant organisms.

 

 

Clean Before You Disinfect

If there is dirt on a surface, clean it off with soap and water before you apply any disinfectant. Removing dirt makes the disinfection more effective.

 

 

Re-Enter When Dry

Keep children, pets, and other people away during the application of the product until it is dry and there is no odor.

 

 

Ventilate Properly

Open windows and use fans to ventilate. Step away from odors if they become too strong. Disinfectant solutions should always be prepared in well-ventilated areas.

 

 

Mind Personal Safety

Wash your hands after using any disinfectant, including surface wipes.

 

 

Keep Containers Properly Sealed

Keep lids tightly closed when not in use. Spills and accidents are more likely to happen when containers are open.

 

 

Safe and Secure Storage

Do not allow children to use disinfectant wipes. Keep cleaning fluids and disinfectants out of the reach of children and pets.

 

 

Avoid Disposable PPE Re-Use

Throw away disposable items like gloves and masks if they are used during cleaning. Do not clean and re-use.

 

 

Proper Disinfectant Use

Following manufacturers’ instructions and product label directions for safe, effective use

Do not use disinfectant wipes to clean hands or as baby wipes.

 

 

Wear Full PPE

 

 

Where cleaning and disinfection are not possible on a regular basis due to resource limitations, frequent hand washing and avoiding touching the face should be the primary prevention approaches to reduce any potential transmission associated with surface contamination. To order disinfectants or book Covid-19 fumigation services, contact us on 0759292158, 0103055943, 0742448334, 0756432285, or drop an email to .