Use of Cleaning agents and disinfectants

• source from NEA, National Environmental Agency Singapore March 2021- environmental sanitation for high risk non healthcare premises in Singapore technical guide
• source from NEA 2nd Edition, Dec 2021, Code of Practice for Environmental Control Coordinators

Disinfectants used should be selected based on the likely pathogen present. Disinfectants should be prepared and applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. EPA – Environmental Protection Agency had approved the use of Electrostatic sprayer together with Klorsept or Klorkleen (approved disinfectants against COVID-19

The list of common disinfectants that may be used in cleaning and disinfection procedures in response to incidents:

1) Hypochlorites – dilute 1 part of bleach in 9 parts of water or 5000 ppm. Allowed 10 mins of contact time. It is difficult to know which brand of bleach or concentration to buy which is capable to achieve 5000 ppm. Likewise, maximum 30 minutes allowed for the dilution to be USED before the solution becomes non effective. Too strong concentration are not good – see comparison report on why not bleach

2) Chlorine based products – Chlorine based products release chlorine dioxide, sodium dichloroisocyanurate. See NaDCC or Klorsept or Klorkleen on Free Available Chlorine.

3) Hydrogen Peroxide – used as disinfectant in post incident cleaning and disinfectant procedure (7.5% , 30 minutes contact time)

4) Alcohol based disinfectants and Quaternary Ammonium compounds (QUATS) are not encouraged for use in cleaning and disinfection procedures in response to incidents when the infectious agents is UNKNOWN.

For more information on the types of disinfectants available, please refer to international sources such as United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention USA.

see https://epa.gov/