Safe and Legal Use of Sodium Hypochlorite for Exterior Cleaning in the UK 2024

Welcome to the world of exterior cleaning, where the effectiveness of your methods translates directly to client satisfaction and the longevity of building surfaces. Among the various cleaning agents available, sodium hypochlorite stands out for its efficacy in dealing with organic stains, molds, and mildews. However, its use comes with responsibilities—specifically, adhering to legal standards and ensuring safety. This guide will empower you, the UK's exterior cleaning professionals, to use sodium hypochlorite confidently and legally across a wide range of surfaces.

Understanding Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a chlorine-based compound, often referred to as liquid bleach. It is highly effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and is commonly used in the cleaning industry, particularly in softwashing, to clean exteriors such as:

• Driveways
• Roofs
• Patios
• Render
• Cladding
• Decking
• UPVC
• Wet pour surfaces
• Tarmac
• Astroturf
• Resin driveways

Legal and Safety Guidelines

Compliance with COSHH

In the UK, the use of sodium hypochlorite is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. These regulations mandate that businesses conduct a COSHH assessment to manage or eliminate the risks associated with hazardous cleaning substances.

Health and Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Full protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and masks (P3 Rated), should be worn to prevent chemical burns and inhalation of vapours.

Environmental Precautions:

• Care must be taken to prevent runoff into gardens and waterways, as sodium hypochlorite is harmful to plants and aquatic life. Utilize barriers or neutralizing agents to mitigate these risks.

Practical Application

Preparing for Use

Risk Assessment:

• Identify and evaluate risks associated with sodium hypochlorite application.
• Consider the potential harm to workers, clients, public, and the environment.
• Record findings and review the assessment regularly.

Method Statement:

• Detail the equipment and concentration levels of sodium hypochlorite.
• Outline the application process, including techniques for spraying, mixing and covering sensitive areas.
• Specify cleanup and neutralization processes post-application.

Safe Handling Practices

• Prepare solutions carefully in well-ventilated areas.
• Apply using low-pressure sprayers to control drift and ensure even coverage.
• Rinse surfaces thoroughly to remove all residues, using techniques that minimize environmental impact.

Recommended Products from Softwash UK

Mark Cave supports exterior cleaning professionals with a range of specially formulated chemicals available at SoftWash UK. These include:

• Sodium hypochlorite: Discover the unparalleled cleaning power of Sodium Hypochlorite - your go-to solution for eliminating stubborn organic contamination and the dreaded black lichen. Say goodbye to unsightly stains and hello to pristine surfaces with our expertly formulated product
• Clever Wash: A surfactant-enhanced product that helps sodium hypochlorite penetrate porous surfaces more effectively, increasing the cleaning power while using less chemical.

Support and Backup

Mark Cave provides comprehensive support and backup for all products, ensuring that you have the necessary knowledge and tools to use them effectively. This support includes detailed product manuals, safety data sheets, and direct customer service.

Conclusion

Using sodium hypochlorite safely and legally not only ensures compliance with UK laws but also protects the environment and maximizes the lifespan of cleaned surfaces. By following the guidelines outlined above and utilizing products from SoftWash UK, you can achieve excellent cleaning results while maintaining high standards of safety and responsibility.

Embrace these practices to enhance your professional capabilities in exterior cleaning, ensuring that you can tackle any job with confidence and compliance.