General information
Indications
Disinfection of surgical instruments and linen.
Disinfection of floors and surfaces.
Water disinfection.
Local purchase recommended as it is dangerous to transport.
Presentation
Calcium hypochlorite (High Test Hypochlorite - HTH) grains, ±70% of available chlorine.
- The granulated form is recommended; the powdered form is highly volatile and extremely dangerous to manipulate.
- IATA compliant container, labelling and packaging: 10 individual tins of 0.5kg in 1 box, total weight 5kg net (according to UN n°2880 for air transport regulation for cargo and mixed cargo and passenger flights).
- 25kg drums are also available for air transport in cargo airplanes, and 45kg drums for road (ADR6,61b) and sea (IMC08) transport only. Sea transport must be in refrigerated containers.
- UN2880 for wet HTH with specifications of 5.5 to 10% moisture.
- UN1748 for dry HTH corresponds to number with packaging identical to UN 2880.
- The chlorine content, expressed as a percentage of available chlorine, must be labelled on the packaging.
- The chlorine content of the diluted solution must be expressed in a percentage, in parts per million (ppm) or in mg/litre of available chlorine: 0.0001% of available chlorine,1ppm or 1mg/litre.
- Free available chlorine (or residual chlorine) can be measured with a pool tester.
Usage
Clean conditions (e.g., instruments and linens): 0.1% (1000ppm) of available chlorine.
Floors, equipment and furniture in a reasonably clean condition: 0.2% (2000ppm) of available chlorine.
Floors and equipment in dirty condition: 0.5% (5000ppm) available chlorine.
Chlorinating drinking water: Use a stock solution of 1% of available chlorine. It should be kept in an airtight, opaque non-metallic container, away from light and heat, and should be replaced every 1 to 2 weeks.
(For chlorinating techniques, refer to MSF guide: Public health engineering in emergency situations).
Precautions
Handle the dry product with care (avoid jolts and exposing to high temperatures or flames).
Avoid inhaling vapours and dust when opening or handling the containers.
Always dilute in non-metal containers just prior to use.
Prepare solution with clean water.
Do not mix with detergents.
Do not bring the dry product in contact with organic materials (e.g., corpses) due to the risk of explosion or spontaneous combustion.
Handling and Storage
Ventilation: Use a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system to minimize dust levels and chlorine gas exposure.
Respiratory protection: full face-piece respirator with a chlorine cartridge and dust and mist pre-filter
Personal protection: Neoprene or PVC gloves, boots and apron or suit.
Keep containers tightly sealed. Store in a clean, dry well-ventilated area.
The gas emissions will eventually damage any cartons in the same room; thus, it is recommended that HTH be stored on its own, in a separate area away from the general stocks.
Over time, it will also damage its own cardboard packaging; thus, long-term storage (more than 6 month) is not recommended in cardboard boxes.
Keep away from sources of heat: temperatures in excess of 52°C for a period of 24 hours or more.
Keep separated from powdered metals, ammonium compounds, cyanides and hydrogen peroxide.
Keep away from moisture; never use a wet scoop to remove HTH from a drum. This can cause an explosion resulting in a fire.
Reacts with acids and evolving chlorine, an irritating corrosive and toxic gas.
May cause fires when placed in contact with combustible material.
Corrosive to most metals in the presence of moisture.
Toxicology information
Signs, symptoms and effects of exposure:
EYE: Exposure may cause severe irritation and/or chemical burns with corneal damage. Vision impairment is possible.
SKIN: Accurate exposure can cause severe irritation and/or chemical burns. Chronic exposure effects are similar to that of direct exposure but with tissue destruction. Prolonged exposure to the skin can destroy the dermis and impair skin regeneration at the site of contact.
INGESTION: Ingestion can cause irritation and/or chemical burns to the gastrointestinal tract: characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bleeding and ulceration. Chronic toxicity, via this route, is unlikely due to its corrosive nature.
INHALATION: Acute exposure may cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract resulting in lung oedema, which can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, choking, chest pain and impaired lung function. Inhalation of high concentrations can result in permanent lung damage. Chronic exposure can cause impairment of lung function and permanent lung damage.
First Aid Measures
EYES: Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Call a physician immediately.
SKIN: Immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician. If clothing comes in contact with the product, the clothing should be removed immediately and laundered before re-use.
INGESTION: Drink large quantities of water, immediately. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call a physician immediately. DO NOT give anything by mouth if the person is unconscious or is having convulsions.
INHALATION: Move the victim to fresh air. Support respiration if needed. Call a physician.
Fire-fighting measures
Cool exposed containers with water.
Do not use dry extinguishers containing ammonium compounds.
Remarks
The taste of chlorine in water is not proof of residual chlorine.
For equipment disinfection, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is preferred as it is less corrosive.
Refer to MSF publication Essential Drugs, Practical Guidelines and UNHCR/MSF publication Guide for the use of disinfectants.
Chlorine can often be purchased locally, consult the local water authority, hotels with swimming pools, etc.
Wherever possible, local purchase is highly recommended because of transport constraints that increase the price of HTH considerably.
Do not confuse with chlorinated lime, which only contains 30% of available chlorine and is less stable.
Storage:
Store in airtight containers, protected from light, heat and humidity.
Good preservation (2% represents the average loss of available chlorine per year).
Specifications
Product
Calcium hypochlorite in granular form, highly soluble in water.
Granular size:
- More than 90% retained on a 150 micron standard sieve.
- More than 85% passes through 1.4mm standard sieve.
Available chlorine: 68%
Stability: 10% loss in the initial available chlorine.
Moisture content: 5.5 to 10%
Packaging and markings
To be packed in approved containers according the following standards:
IATA: Calcium hypochlorite mixtures, wet, UN 2880 PG II, ERG N° 45
IMDG: Calcium hypochlorite mixtures, wet, Cl 5.1, UN 2880
IMDGM: Page 5138, EmS N° 5.1-06