TE_CYS-12_GenericBleachSolutionRecommendations_v1_20150417.pdf

Bleach Solution for Sanitizing and Disinfecting within CYS Services

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces are key steps in the prevention, reduction, and control of communicable diseases within a child care setting.

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting within a child care setting have different meanings:

CLEANING SANITIZING DISINFECTING

Uses a solution made of soap and water.

Physically removes any dirt or debris from surfaces.

bleach and water.

Reduces the amount of germs on surfaces.

Used on food contact surfaces and on items that children may place in their mouths.

bleach and water, that is stronger than the sanitizing solution.

Destroys germs on surfaces.

Used on diaper changing tables and surfaces contaminated with blood or blood containing body fluids.

It is important to use the right solution for the right purpose and apply it in the right way.

Bleach is a chemical and can be irritating, the recommended bleach to water solutions ensure that they are effective while limiting potential harmful effects to children and childcare providers when mixed and used the right way. Appropriate personal protective equipment and measures should be used when using bleach solutions.

Sodium Hypochlorite is the active ingredient in commercial bleach. The percentage of sodium hypochlorite in the commercial bleach product used is important as it controls the amount of bleach to mix with water which affects how long the solution needs to have contact with the surface.

Commercial bleach products to water mixtures should be mixed to result in appropriate chlorine parts per million (PPM) residuals. Residual PPM affects contact time and drying recommendations based on the frequency of use, purpose, and the reason the surface is being sanitized and/or disinfected.

Soft or porous surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids should be blotted or wiped to absorb with an appropriate disposable agent or material. The disposable item used should be placed in a plastic bag to be discarded. Carpeted/ upholstered furniture or areas may need to be steam cleaned at 158ºF for at least five minutes or at 212ºF for one minute. Contaminated cloth toys or linens may be washed with water temperatures of 140-160ºF and then completely dried on the highest dryer setting. Severely contaminated cloth toys or linens should be discarded in a plastic bag. Preventive

Medicine should be consulted for instances of porous surface blood and body fluid contamination to ensure appropriate disinfecting procedures are conducted.

The following steps correlate to non-porous (hard) contaminated surfaces (diaper changing tables, table tops, high chairs, non-cloth toys, non-carpeted flooring, etc.).

1. Identify the bleach concentration, below a mixture ratio are provided for 8.25% and

5.25-6.00% sodium hypochlorite commercial bleach products. Note, only use unscented, liquid-type bleach.

2. Clean the surface with soap and water. Surfaces should be cleaned to remove any visible debris, dirt, and other contamination before using the appropriate bleach solution.

3. Choose the right bleach solution mixture. Bleach solutions, except for blood and body fluid disinfection preparations, should be made fresh daily for sanitizing and disinfecting. Blood and body fluid disinfecting solution should be made on an as needed basis. Bleach should be added to cool water and not mixed with any other cleaning products.

4. Sanitize, disinfect, or conduct blood and body fluid disinfecting procedures by wetting the entire surface, allowing the solution to remain on the surface for at least two minutes, and then dry with a disposable paper towel or allowing to air dry as directed.

Note, food contact surfaces must be air dried only.

Generally solutions should be used in accordance with prescribed established guidance for childcare provider use.

Below is a table of general bleach product to water mixtures and use guidance based on the percentage of sodium hypochlorite in the bleach concentration. The use of chlorine test strips is recommended to verify PPM concentration.

Sanitize Disinfect Blood and Body Fluid Disinfectant

After Each Use:

Mouthed Toys

Food Surface Areas

Activity Tables

After Each Use:

Diaper Changing Tables

Use Only As Needed For:

Vomit

Diarrhea

8.25% Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach Concentration)

Sanitize

100PPM

Disinfect

600PPM

Blood and Body Fluid

5000PPM

1/8 teaspoon of bleach to a pint of water

¾ teaspoon bleach to a pint of water

2 tablespoons of bleach to a pint of water

¼ teaspoon of bleach to a quart of water

1 ½ teaspoon of bleach to a quart of water

4 tablespoons of bleach to a quart of water

1 teaspoon of bleach to a gallon of water

2 tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water

1 cup of bleach to a gallon of water

5.25-6.00% Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach Concentration)

Sanitize

100PPM

Disinfect

600PPM

Blood and Body Fluid

5000PPM

1/8 teaspoon of bleach to a pint of water

1 ½ teaspoon bleach to a pint of water

3 tablespoons of bleach to a pint of water

¼ teaspoon of bleach to a quart of water

1 tablespoon of bleach to a quart of water

6 tablespoons of bleach to a quart of water

½ tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water

¼ cup of bleach to a gallon of water

1 ½ cup of bleach to a gallon of water

**Sanitizing solutions (100ppm) should be used to soak toys (such as mouthed toys after each use). Toys should be submerged for a period of 5 minutes, rinsed with water, and then allowed to air dry.

References:

Caring For Our Children National Health and Safety Performance Standards

Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs 3rd Edition, US Environmental

Protection Agency, US Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, USAPHC Tip Sheet Preparing and Measuring High

Chlorine Concentration Solutions for Disinfection