• If tools or equipment, allow the object to

drain and then transfer it directly to the

bleach solution used for hand cleaning.

• Re-immerse the clothing in the household

bleach solution used for hand cleaning for

10 minutes with periodic gentle swirling of

the clothing. 

• If clothing, wring out as much moisture as

possible. 

• Allow clothes to thoroughly dry before

using again.

Severe Surface Decontamination 

Surfaces that are heavily contaminated with

mold, feces, or body tissues should be disinfected using the following household bleach

solution: 

◆ 11/2 cups bleach. 

◆ 1 gallon of water.

• Place the solution in a spray dispenser. 

• Thoroughly douse surfaces that have

heavy deposits of contaminants and allow

to stand for 3 minutes.

• Wipe the contaminants from the surface

with a paper towel.

• Discard the towel.

• Douse the surface again but use the bleach

solution that is used for hand washing and

wipe off the residual contamination with a

paper towel.

• Discard the towel and allow surface to dry. 

Hand Decontamination

• Wash hands completely with soap and

water.

• Rub your hands together for at least 10 seconds (with soap if available). Wash all surfaces well, including wrists, palms, backs of

hands, fingers, and under the fingernails.

• Clean the dirt from under your fingernails.

• Rinse the soap from your hands.

• Dry your hands completely with a clean

towel if possible (this helps remove the

germs).

• However, if towels are not available it is

okay to air dry your hands.

• Pat your skin rather than rubbing it to avoid

chapping and cracking.

• If you use a disposable towel, discard it in

the trash.

Clothing, Tool and Equipment

Decontamination 

Contaminated clothing, tools and equipment

should also be cleaned. It is preferable that

soap and clean water be used when available. If only contaminated water is available

use the following:

◆ 1/4 cup bleach. 

◆ 1 gallon of water.

• Immerse objects in the solution for 10 minutes; if clothing, gently swirl every few

minutes. 

• If clothing, wring out as much moisture as

possible.

FactSheet

General Decontamination

During a flooding event, there is an increased danger of contracting bacterial,

viral and protozoal diseases. Floodwaters can be contaminated with sewage and

decaying animal and human remains. Therefore, disinfection of contaminated

hands, clothing, tools/equipment, and surfaces in work areas is critical in disease

prevention. Household bleach solutions of various strengths can be used for this

purpose. 
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

DSG 9/2005

Important Considerations

• For greatest effectiveness, prepare bleach solutions fresh daily, preferably just prior to use.

• Allow all bleach solutions to stand for at least 30 minutes before using. 

• Do not immerse electrical or battery operated tools/equipment in bleach solutions; wipe

the outside of these objects with a disposable rag soaked with the solution and allow it to

dry.

• Use gloves and eye protection when cleaning clothes, tools/equipment, and surfaces. Use

respirator protection (an N-95 respirator is recommended) when mold is present. 

• All containers should be labeled “Bleach-disinfected water: DO NOT DRINK.”

• CAUTION: Never mix bleach with products containing ammonia.