Appendix B: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems
132
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
DANGER
I
WARNING
II
CAUTION
III
CAUTION or no signal word
IV
1...,127,128,129,130,131,132,133,134,135,136 138,139,140,141,142,143,144,145,146,147,...167