What safety precautions should be taken when using sodium hypochlorite

When using sodium hypochlorite, the following safety precautions should be taken:

1. Protective measures:

1. Wear gloves: Sodium hypochlorite is corrosive and may cause burns, allergies and other adverse reactions when in contact with the skin, so be sure to wear protective gloves such as rubber gloves when operating.

2. Wear goggles or protective glasses: Prevent sodium hypochlorite solution from splashing into the eyes. Once splashed, it will cause serious irritation and damage to the eyes. Rinse with plenty of water immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible59.

3. Wear protective clothing: If it is used in large quantities or operated in an environment where splashing may occur, it is recommended to wear protective clothing to prevent sodium hypochlorite solution from contacting other parts of the body.

4. Use respiratory protection: Sodium hypochlorite will produce a pungent odor when it evaporates, which may irritate the respiratory tract. When operating for a long time in a poorly ventilated environment, consider wearing respiratory protection equipment such as a mask or a gas mask to prevent inhalation of harmful gases.

2. Operation process:

1. Strictly dilute according to the ratio: Sodium hypochlorite is highly oxidizing. High-concentration sodium hypochlorite solution is more corrosive and irritating, and may cause damage to the disinfected object. Read the product manual carefully before use, and dilute the sodium hypochlorite according to the prescribed ratio before use16.

2. Clean before disinfection: Before disinfecting the surface of an object, remove dirt, dust and organic matter on the surface, as these substances may affect the disinfection effect of sodium hypochlorite37.

3. Avoid mixing with other substances: Sodium hypochlorite cannot be mixed with acids, alkalis, other disinfectants, etc. Sodium hypochlorite mixed with acid will produce chlorine gas, which is a highly toxic gas that may endanger life; mixing with other disinfectants may cause chemical reactions, produce harmful substances or reduce the disinfection effect29.

4. Control the action time: During disinfection, ensure that the sodium hypochlorite solution has sufficient contact time with the disinfected object to achieve a good disinfection effect, but do not soak it for too long to avoid unnecessary damage to the disinfected object, such as accelerated corrosion of metal products and excessive bleaching of fabrics5.

5. Be careful to avoid splashing: When pouring, stirring or using tools such as sprayers to apply sodium hypochlorite solution, move gently to avoid splashing the solution and hurting yourself or people and objects around you.

3. Storage:

1. Storage environment: Sodium hypochlorite should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Excessive temperature may cause sodium hypochlorite to decompose and create dangers. At the same time, keep away from fire, heat sources and flammable materials to prevent dangers such as fire or explosion.

2. Container selection: The container for storing sodium hypochlorite should be made of corrosion-resistant and well-sealed materials, such as plastic barrels. The container should be tightly covered to prevent sodium hypochlorite from volatilizing or leaking.

3. Separate storage: Sodium hypochlorite should be stored separately from other chemicals to avoid confusion or unexpected reactions.

4. Emergency treatment:

1. Leakage treatment: If sodium hypochlorite leaks, measures should be taken immediately to deal with it. First, evacuate the surrounding personnel, then put on protective equipment, absorb the leaked solution with sand, dry lime or soda ash, and transfer it to a safe place for treatment. The leaked area should be rinsed with plenty of clean water to reduce the concentration of sodium hypochlorite and reduce pollution to the environment.

2. Treatment of personal injury: If you accidentally come into contact with sodium hypochlorite, you should immediately rinse the contaminated area with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention in time. If you accidentally ingest sodium hypochlorite, do not induce vomiting, drink a lot of protein-rich substances such as milk or egg white immediately, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.