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Approved Disinfectants for Treatment of Empty Containers
This advice relates specifically to international repositioned empty shipping containers that may require cleaning with an approved disinfectant at class 2.6 QAP’s (or participating QAP classified 1.1 depots that are signatories to the AQIS empty container scheme compliance agreement).
If animal products such as blood/body fluids and/or faecal material is detected the empty container will require a further disinfection treatment with an AQIS approved disinfectant such as Virkon, Phoraid or Sodium Hydroxide, or steam cleaning.
Quarantine Treatments (Correct as of 28 September 2004)
Treatment of animal contaminants
Solid Animal Material
All solid animal material must be removed and destroyed, and the surfaces thoroughly cleansed of all visible contaminants before disinfection. Disinfect the internal surfaces of the container with an AQIS-approved disinfectant such as Virkon as per manufacturer's directions.
Liquid Animal Products
All animal liquids including animal blood and/or other body fluids must be either:
a) Cleaned with Sodium Hydroxide (as per table below), or
b) Washed out of the container and then treat the cleansed surfaces with an AQIS-approved disinfectant such as Virkon.
A. Chemical Solution Type Treatments
Some of the disinfectants effective for disinfection of empty containers are outlined in the table below.
| Disinfectant | Rate |
|---|---|
|
Suma Crystal A8 |
2.86% w/v Suma Crystal A8 (28.6g or 29g per Litre water) Exposure time of 30 minutes |
|
Virkon The commercial formulation is Virkon®S, a peroxygen based on potassium peroxomonosulphate. |
As per manufacturer's directions. |
|
20% Phoraid The commercial formulation is Phoraid®. |
20% solution (200ml per 1L). |
|
Sodium hydroxide - (Caustic soda, NaOH): |
2% solution (Add 1kg of caustic soda to 50L of water.) Exposure time of 10 minutes |
|
Virucidal X |
1% Solution (10gm/Litre water) Exposure time of 30 minutes |
Note: The above is a guide only as to what may be used when cleaning empty containers that have had animal material present. Importers should also contact their respective State/Territory governments to check what chemicals are approved in their States/Territory.
Chemicals must be applied in accordance with the label directions.
Notes:
- Some disinfectants may present a health hazard to workers, and some may cause damage to some metals such as aluminium, chrome and similar alloys. The owner or agent must be warned of any possible damage to surfaces from any treatments. The owner or agent must agree to the treatment before it is applied. Disinfectants should be used as per manufacturer's directions and where corrosion or discolouring is of concern, washed off after use.
- Care must be taken when applying the disinfectant to ensure that the surface is not damaged. The first application should be on a small, less exposed area and should be checked for damage such as paint tainting (colour change), smearing or bubbling before the disinfectant is applied to the rest of the item.
- Any damage to goods from disinfection procedures should be reported to AQIS Canberra Office.
- Protective clothing including boots, safety glasses and gloves (preferably disposable) should be worn when handling any chemical disinfectant used for decontamination. Particular care must be taken to avoid contact with skin or eyes, and inhalation of fumes or powders.
- Acid and alkaline based disinfectants must not be mixed.
B. Physical or Cleaning Type Treatments
Steam cleaning or water at >90°C is an acceptable method of removing contamination.
Note: In times of a disease out break emergency, consult with your regional office for alternative sources of information in relation to specific diseases.
For further information please contact:
AQIS Import Clearance
Phone: 02 6272 3999
Email: Import Clearance