Sanitation safety issues

Chlorine in its active form, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), is a powerful oxidant and antimicrobial agent. Hypochlorous acid is present in highest concentration at near pH 4, decreasing rapidly with increased pH. At pH >5 hypochlorite (OCl ) increases, whereas at pH <4, chlorine gas (CI2) increases. Neither chlorine gas nor hypochlorite have been shown to be active toward microorganisms (Mercer and Somers, 1957) however, both are very corrosive. Formation of Cl2(g) is also a safety issue for employees. In that there is still substantial amounts of HOCl present at pH >6.5, sanitizing operations are typically carried out in the pH range 6.5-7.0. 

The same transformation shifted to America and is still in progress today in countries such as China. It was accompanied by moves by workers away from the land and towards industrial cities. Basic city sanitation was initially very poor in Europe and so envirorunental health problems overlay occupational health and safety issues. 

Occupational health and environmental issues are complex and sometimes difScult to manage. First aid, respiratory protection, and field sanitation are fairly easy to understand and put into place. However, issues such as lead, asbestos, and process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals can be intimidating. Nevertheless, your employer has a responsibility to protect you against the most complex of health issues at your jobsites. 

Founded in 1944, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) develops standards, conducts product testing, and provides certification services in areas related to public health and safety. Technical resources include the operation of physical and performance testing facilities and analytical chemistry and microbiology laboratories. NSF International operates as a not-for-profit nongovernmental organization. NSF develops national standards, provides learning opportunities, and provides third-party conformity assessment services. The foundation known and recognized for its scientific and technical expertise continues to focus on a variety of pertinent issues related to health and environmental sciences. 

A classic example of substitution for safety can be seen in the recent trend in the wastewater treatment industry to substitute less hazardous sodium hypochlorite for deadly chlorine gas in the disinfection process. While the use of sodium hypochlorite is more expensive than chlorine gas, because sodium hypochlorite is not an EPA/OSHA-listed hazardous material, extremely costly and cumbersome regulations on the use of chlorine are avoided. Moreover, as one wastewater treatment sanitation district general manager told us, By using harmless sodium hypochlorite instead of deadly chlorine I am able to sleep better at night. . . because the liability issue is removed. The liability issue referred to here is based on the possibility of deadly chlorine not only causing serious injury or worse to workers but also injury or damage to those beyond the plant/ facility fenceline. 

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