This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published combined and updated information from several disinfectant lists to create a new list called “EPA-Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Bloodborne Pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) [List S].” EPA launched this new disinfectant list to increase the accessibility, accuracy, and functionality of the information for all users.
The new List S combines product information from the following former EPA disinfectant lists which are now retired:
- List C: Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Human HIV-1 Virus
- List D: Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Human HIV-1 and Hepatitis B Virus
- List E: Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Human HIV-1 and Hepatitis B Virus
- List F: Registered Disinfectants for use Against Hepatitis C
The new S List includes products that are effective against HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses and specifies which products are not effective against one or more of these viruses. For example, if a product is only effective against HIV, it will be included on the list but with not applicable (N/A) indicated for Hepatitis B and C.
The S List contains the primary registrants’ products only. It does not include supplemental distributer products, which are products that have the same chemical composition and efficacy as primary products, but often have different brand or product names. The renamed products can be located on the list using their EPA registration number that appears on the label by following these instructions.
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that contaminated work surfaces be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant after completion of procedures; immediately or as soon as feasible when surfaces are overtly contaminated or after any spill of blood or other potentially infectious materials; and at the end of the work shift if the surface may have become contaminated since the last cleaning.
Per an OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard interpretation letter, EPA-registered disinfectants for HIV, HBV, and HCV meet the requirement in the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and are “appropriate” disinfectants to clean contaminated surfaces. They also noted that as is true with all disinfectant products, the effectiveness is governed by strict adherence to the instructions on the label, including using the appropriate contact time.
Per the OSHA Enforcement Directive on the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, fresh solutions of diluted (generally 1:10) household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) made up fresh daily (every 24 hours) are considered appropriate for disinfection of surfaces. The appropriate contact time must be used, which is generally considered to be the time it takes the product to air dry, or at least 5 minutes. It also states that in order to ensure the disinfectant is completely effective, the bleach solution should be used following initial cleanup with a soap and water solution when there is “gross” contamination such as for spills of blood or other potentially infectious materials.
For more information about the new S List, refer to the EPA website or contact [email protected]. For assistance with evaluating your facility’s decontamination practices for compliance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, please contact us!
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Director of Quality, Research, and Training
