School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Appendix B: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems

o Store in a dry place.

Disposal Labels include information about the proper disposal of disinfectant containers and any excess quantities of diluted disinfectant mixtures. Proper disposal of concentrated products is very important because disinfectants and sanitizers are designed to kill microbes and have the potential to adversely affect biological activity in septic systems and wastewater treatment plants that rely on microbial activity to process the wastewater if disposed of down the sink. Instructions for disposal may include x Triple-rinse procedures for disinfectant containers of liquid x Options for recycling or disposal of containers Check with your local Department of Public Works or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Waste Prevention to obtain guidelines on the disposal of concentrated disinfectants, which may be considered hazardous waste. III. Safety Information Child hazard warning The front panel of every disinfectant label must bear the statement, “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.” Poisoning is a major cause of injuries to children. Signal word A signal word is displayed in large letters on the front of the label to indicate approximately how acutely toxic the disinfectant is to people. The signal word is based on acute toxicity data for oral, dermal, and inhalation routes, as well as skin and eye irritation and sometimes dermal sensitization. It is based on the entire contents of the product, including the active and the inert ingredients. It does not indicate the risk of delayed ( chronic or long-term) or allergic effects. Disinfectants that are very likely to cause acute illness or be corrosive to eyes or skin are classified as Category I and have DANGER as their signal word. In addition, if the product is Category I on the basis of its acute oral, acute dermal, or acute inhalation toxicity, it also has the word POISON printed in red with the skull and crossbones symbol.

Signal Word

Acute Toxicity Category

DANGER – POISON (plus skull and crossbones)

I I

DANGER WARNING CAUTION

II

III IV

CAUTION or no signal word

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