In the updated guidance, published on earlier this year, the HSE has given more specific direction, outlining appropriate chemicals to disperse as a mist or vapour.
The Health & Safety Executive guidance “Disinfecting using fog, mist and other systems during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic” (first published 2nd November 2020) states…
“Even where products are not specifically labelled as hazardous, dispersing them in mist, fog or vapour increases the risk that they can enter the lung.”
The guidance further notes that:
“Hydrogen peroxide may be used as a cold mist or as a thermally generated vapour.”
To provide clarity on this matter, the World Health Organisation gives clear guidance, first published in May 2020, regarding specific disinfectant chemical solutions:
“Spraying or fogging of certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, chlorine-based agents or quaternary ammonium compunds, is not recommended due to adverse health effects on workers in facilities where these methods have been utilised.”
To view the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance in full visit: Disinfecting using fog, mist and other systems during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To view the World Health Organization’s guidance in full visit: Cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19
