39. Preparing and using disinfectants
39. Preparing and using disinfectants
Last update: 2022-09-14
Overview
- Disinfectant is a solution that can be used to kill germs on surfaces, bedding, clothing and dead bodies.
- It is especially useful in epidemics to kill the germs that are causing the epidemic.
- Many different ingredients can be added to water to create disinfectants.
- Making disinfectants can be dangerous because it involves mixing chemicals with water. Always follow the instructions and use the help of trained people to make disinfectants.
- Look at the cholera kit (see Action tool Personal protection equipment (PPE) for highly infectious diseases) for more information on the preparation and use of disinfectants.
Disinfectants are especially useful in the following cases: |
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Preparation of different strengths of chlorine solution
2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.05% | |
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HTH powder (70% active chlorine) | 30 grams in 1 litre of water or 2 lvel tablespoons in 1 litre of water | 7.5g in 1 litre of water or 1 level teablespoon in 2 litres of water | 3g in 1 litre of water or 2 level teablespoon in 10 litres of water | 0.7g in 1 litre of water or 0.5 level teablespoons in 10 litres of water |
NaDCC At 8.68g active chlorine per tablet | 4 tablets in 1 litre of water | 1 tablet in 1 litre of water | 4 tablets in 10 litres of water | 1 tablets in 10 litres of water |
Liquid bleach (5% active chlorine) | 400 ml of bleach in 600 ml of water (total amount one litre) | 100 ml of bleach in 900 ml of water (total amount one litre) | 40 ml of bleach in 960 ml of water (total amount one litre) | 10 ml of bleach in 990 ml of water (total amount one litre) |
Examples of use | To disinfect dead bodies, stools and vomit in cholera outbreak | To disinfect dead bodies, surfaces, blood, vomit, stool, PPE, vehicles etc. in Ebola outbreak | To disinfect wards, floors, toilets, shower units, kitchen, beds etc. in cholera outbreak | To disinfect hands and skin |
Use of disinfectants
- Always take care when using disinfectants because they are dangerous. Always wear gloves, a face mask and goggles, and an apron or overalls to protect your clothes.
- When specialists are available, always follow their advice on preparing, handling and using disinfectants.
- Do not touch 1:10 disinfectant with your hands or let it touch your bare skin. Always use thick gloves for protection.