Hi there...does anybody have any experience in the use of fogging equipment using HOCL (Hypochlorous Acid)?

Im trying to determine if the use of fogging equipment with HOCL requires the use of PPE. Ive read conflicting articles on the internet, some have said it can be used in occupied areas, others say not...

The chemical itself seems non hazardous from what I can gather, based on the SDS, but not sure if using it via fogging produces additonal risks?

Any guidance would be much appreciated. The question of whether fogging itself is effective is a question I will save for another day :)

office cleaning

https://echa.europa.eu/

In the search for chemicals bar type "Hypochlorous Acid"

On the page that opens scroll down to BPR opinions and click the link - this opens the page of decisions

PT1 is human hygiene i.e. direct contact

PT2 is Disinfectants i.e. non-contact

These are the manners approved for use - neither includes fogging

The HSE identifies BPR approval in its web page on the subject of disinfection

https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/disinfecting-premises-during-coronavirus-outbreak.htm

Thats great, appreciate your help.

Originally Posted by: Hsquared14

Be aware everyone I have received adverts on my Facebook page for HOCl foggers which are priced in £sterling so people will be seeing these ads.

Hi,

Not sure how that could happen by simply reading the post? Maybe if you had googled HOCL foggers it prob would happen? Google/ facebook send out tons of adverts out based on internet browsing topics.

Stand by for a surge in "disinfection tunnels" another item the HSE guidance points out to be absurd and useless:

This practice.....would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact. Even if someone who is infected with COVID-19 goes through a disinfection tunnel or chamber, as soon as they start speaking, coughing or sneezing they can still spread the virus.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-54442464

Given the HSE stance what will they say about this poultry factories controls?

In relation to the outbreak at the chicken factory

HSE us will probably say “I wish those people who do public health, would talk to us first!”

Public health would like to saturate everything in disinfectant

HSE just want to go back to doing proper H&S safety

The coppers just want nick someone for something

The army wants a campaign medal for the war on covid  and Boris just wants to be re-elected so that he will know people really love him.

What this guidance is getting at is the simple fact there is no “perfect disinfectant”. Perfect meaning one that will kill those microorganisms that you want rid of but will not harm any people in the area, damage the surfaces or equipment or harm the environment. In reality any disinfectant will have some side effects and when choosing the best disinfectant for your workplace you need balance the efficacy of the disinfectant against the risks mentioned. As well as looking at the chemical risks you should be thinking about how the disinfectant is being delivered. If it is being applied directly to a surface you, know where it’s going, and you know how much you have delivered.  With these fogging systems two thirds or three quarters of the disinfectant is being wasted since it ends up falling on areas that you will not be touching eg the floor. The manufacturers love this as   you end up buying more of their products. Facilities people love this as they can that one person has “done” a room in 10 minutes rather than 2 or 3 people taking 30 minutes to wipe down the same area.