India consults for Sodium Hypochlorite

India started consultation on a draft international standard (IS) for sodium hypochlorite, also known as bleach. The item is described as an inorganic chemical widely used as bleach liquor. It is generally sold in aqueous solutions, according to the draft published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on February 21.

Bleach is considered a significant safety risk by the BIS due to the substance’s corrosive characteristics, widespread availability, and reaction products. 

These follow the provisions of five other standards:

1.     Glossary of terms relating to chemical and radiation hazards, as well as hazardous chemicals (IS 4155: 1966);

2.     Guide for selection of industrial safety equipment for body protection (IS 8519: 1977);

3.     Guide for selection of industrial safety equipment for eye, face, and ear protection (IS 8520: 1977);

4.     Guide for selection of industrial safety equipment for protection of arms and hands (IS 8807: 1978);

5.     Guide for selection of industrial safety equipment for protection of arms and hands (IS 88 (IS 10667: 1983).

In addition, the proposal suggests that substance containers be marked or labeled to identify:

·       The manufacturer's or importer's name and address.

·       The contents of the container; and the physical, chemical, and toxicological data as specified in the relevant Schedule of the Hazardous Chemicals Manufacture, Storage, and Import Rules 1989.

Furthermore, if sodium hypochlorite poses, or is likely to pose, health dangers in the workplace, the draught mandates the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers would be responsible for selecting and providing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees, ensuring that it is used properly, and training them on all elements of the PPE.

The consultation period will end on April 22, 2022.