Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Quick Reference
What is Sodium Hypochlorite?
Commonly called bleach, it’s a widely used disinfectant that is a base and an oxidizer. Common in household cleaning products in concentrations of 3 – 6%. Used industrially in concentrations of 10 – 15%. Common in pools, water/wastewater treatment. Is transported in large volumes but may be synthesized on-site using chlorine and sodium hydroxide.
Crew Safety
- Staging/Perimeter
- For residential exposures to household cleaning products no staging is needed.
- For industrial spills and exposures: 50 m
- For large tanks or railcars involved in a fire: 800 m
- Additional Resources
- For residential exposure/ingestion without toxic fumes: no other resources. If toxic gases, FD.
- For industrial exposure requiring rescue: On scene response team and/or fire department.
- PPE requirements
- If mixed with other substances may require SCBA and chemical protective clothing.
- Concentrations > 10%: chemical protective gloves/eye pro. BCEHS nitrile gloves not sufficient.
- For household cleaning products BCEHS nitrile gloves and eye protection are sufficient.
- Safely initiating patient contact
- Residential exposure: Crew may meet patient in a safe location and perform decontamination. Ensure patient is met in a well-ventilated area away from source of exposure if:
- Bleach was mixed with an acid, such as vinegar, as chlorine gas will be produced
- Bleach was mixed with ammonia, as it produces chloramine gas.
- Concentrations > 10%: Patient to meet crew in a safe location. They may coach decontamination while standing back.
- Residential exposure: Crew may meet patient in a safe location and perform decontamination. Ensure patient is met in a well-ventilated area away from source of exposure if:
Effect on the Patient
Saponification of affected area. This causes localized tissue damage at exposure site. This includes the eyes if exposed and GI tract if ingested. If Chlorine gas was produced see Chlorine treatment.
Patient Decontamination
* EYES TAKE PRECEDENCE. Flush for a minimum of 15 minutes. If irritation persists flush continuously.
* Flush exposed skin well with water.
Patient Treatment
Decontaminate as above. If ingested have the patient drink 1 glass of water to dilute. If significant airway burns manage as per BCEHS CPGs. If respiratory distress, consider toxic gas exposure.
Safe Transfer of Care
No concerns if decontamination has occurred. If ingested use contact precautions with eye protection. No significant risk of off gassing if ingested (concentrations low enough no concern).
Paramedic and Equipment Decontamination
Dilute bleach that contacted any surfaces with water. No special decontamination needed.
Quick Access Resources
DPIC Monograph
Paramedic Specialist Safety Data Sheet
No SDS available.
Emergency Response Guidebook
Revision History
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-05-01 | Initial version | Clinical Hub |