India Consults on National Standard for Sodium Hypochlorite

Published on February 21, 2022, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is consulting on a draft Indian Standard (IS) for sodium hypochlorite. The deadline for comments is April 22, 2022.

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound widely used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent. Its corrosive properties, common availability, and reaction products make it a significant safety risk. In particular, mixing liquid bleach with other cleaning products, such as acids or ammonia, will produce poisonous chlorine gas.

The standard prescribes safety measures for controlling hazards and essential information on symptoms of poisoning, first-aid, medical treatment, storage, handling, labeling and employee safety, with reference to the following standards:

Sodium hypochlorite should be stored away from direct sunlight in shaded area at temperatures below 15°C. The pH of sodium hypochlorite solution should be maintained above 10. Large storage areas should be properly ventilated. No other material should be stored along with sodium hypochlorite. 

The storage containers shall be labeled or marked to identify:

1. The contents of the container;

2. The name and address of the manufacturer or importer of the hazardous chemical; and

3. (c) The physical, chemical and toxicological data as per the criteria given in the relevant Schedule of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules 1989.

Besides, employers should assess if any health hazards are present or are likely to be present in the workplace where sodium hypochlorite is handled, and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees, as well as corresponding training.