Guidelines for the use of chemicals containing chlorine in the prevention

1. Introduction

Chlorine (Cl) is one of the halogens used widely for sterilization due to its high disinfection activity due to redox reaction. When dissolved in water, these chemicals release an amount of active chlorine that has a therapeutic effect. Common chlorine-containing chemicals include:

– Cloramin B content of 25 – 30% active chlorine

– Cloramin T

– calcium hypochlorite (lime chloride)

– Sodium dichloroisocyanurate powder

–        Water Javen (sodium or potassium hyphocloride hypocloride).

2. Use chlorine-containing chemicals in the prevention

– In the prevention of fluid contamination, solutions of chlorine containing 0.5% and 1.25% active chlorine are usually used depending on the purpose and method of sterilization. The concentration of the solution must be based on active chlorine.

– Since different chemicals have different active chlorine content, it is important to calculate the amount of chemicals needed to obtain the active chlorine solution.

– The amount of chlorine chemicals needed to mix the number of liters of solution with the required chlorine concentration is calculated by the following formula:

* The active chlorine content of the chemicals used is always indicated by the manufacturer on the label, package or instruction manual of the product.

Example: To make 10 liters of active chlorine 0.5% solution from activated chlorine powder 25% active chlorine: (0.5 x 10/25) x 1000 = 200 grams.

For a 10-liter solution with 0.5% active chlorine concentration from 70% active calcium chloride hypochlorite, it should be: (0.5 x 10/70) x 1000 = 72 grams.

For a 10 liter solution with 0.5% active chlorine concentration from 60% active chlorine dioxide dichloroisocyanurate powder: (0.5 x 10/60) x 1000 = 84 g.

Table 1. Chemical quantities of chlorine to 10 liters of solution with active chlorine concentrations used in the prevention

Mixing method: Dissolve completely the amount of chemicals needed for just 10 liters of clean water.

Chlorinated solutions will reduce the effect quickly over time, so only the amount needed to use and use as soon as possible after the phase. Best blending only and use during the day, should not be prepared to reserve. The solution containing chlorinated phase should be stored in a dry, cool, covered, protected from light.

* Disinfection in hospitals and outbreaks

This is a guide to the use of chlorinated compounds in general outbreak disinfection. The selection of disinfection methods in the following guidelines must be based on each type of disease and in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Health on the treatment of the outbreak of each type of disease.

• Hand sanitization at the patient isolation area: At the exit point, into the isolation and doors of each chamber, if no quick-disinfectant solutions (alcohol, vial of hand sanitizer) or Water and soap for hand washing must have pots of chlorinated chlorine solution containing 0.5% active chlorine to soak hands (soak 1 minute, then rinse with clean water). 
• Surface disinfection, use: Use 0.5% active chlorine solution to clean the floor, objects, objects etc. 
• Foot Wear and Footwear: Soak up the mats and footwear with 0.5% active chlorine solution, place in a metal tray that holds water, and place in front of the entrance to the isolation area and guide the socks. Health workers, family members of patients, patients, visitors must foot and foot shoes on foot mats impregnated with this solution each time to enter the isolation area to minimize the spread of the disease. outside.
• Sterilize contaminated pots and pans : Soak pots and pans with 0.5% active chlorine solution for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with clean water.
• Sterilization of instruments used by patients with dangerous infectious diseases: Soak the used instruments and clothes of patients with dangerous infectious diseases into a solution of 0.5% active chlorine in 1 – 2 hours before washing with clean water.
• Sterilization chamber for treatment of patients with dangerous infectious disease: Use solution of 0.5% active chlorine to clean the floor of the disease, the surface of objects and objects in the disease.
• Department of treating patients after all patients discharged (final disinfection): General sanitation disinfection of the floor, walls where patients treated by spraying solution concentration of 0.5% chlorine (0.3 to 0.5 l / m ² ), and then re-used for receiving and treating other patients.
• Treatment of environmental pollution in the patient’s house, latrine, sewers, breeding facilities, roads, paths … in the outbreak area: Spray 0.5% this dose of 0.3 to 0.5 liters / m ² .
• Treatment of manure and waste: Fecal and patient waste is disinfected with a solution of 1.25 to 2.5% chlorine at a rate of 1: 1 (for example, 1 liter of manure should be treated with 1 liter of concentrated solution of 1.25% active chlorine) for at least 30 minutes, then poured into hygienic latrines or buried deep underground away from water and housing. .
• Disinfection transport patients with serious infectious: Use a solution of 0.5% concentration of active chlorine disinfection spray doses means 0.3 to 0.5 liters / m ² , to within 1 Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.