Recommendations on Chemical Safety for Cleaning and Disinfection Supplies, 11 May 2020

Abstract

This technical note addresses the main safety recommendations against the handling of disinfecting agents, which, being chemical products, must be handled with due caution. Additionally, it presents a summary of cleaning elements that should not be mixed and the risks that they generate. Most cleaning products are made from chemicals. • The mix of different chemicals can place people at risk. • Cleaning means removing the dirt. Disinfection means killing microorganisms. Soaps are made to remove dirt, but they can also kill microorganisms, as they break down and destroy the external membranes of the virus. Disinfectants are made to kill microorganisms. • Soaps and bleach are made for different purposes and should not be combined. They should be used separately. • The solutions made by mixing bleach with water need careful measurement. • Bleach is dangerous if used without dilution...