Clean, Sanitize & Help Prevent Illness and Disease
Always read and follow label directions before using cleaning products.
(IMPORTANT: Only use approved products to maintain the vessel sewage system. ASK the Maintenance Department if your boat has any questions.)
Bleach refers to a number of chemicals that disinfect, whiten, or remove color. The bleaching process has been around for thousands of years. Today's chemicals used for bleaching are the result of research by 18th century scientists. Although chlorine is the base for most common household bleaches, usually we just refer to this cleaning product as "bleach".
Chlorine bleach can disinfect to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, kill mildew, algae, and weeds, and even prolong the life of cut flowers. Bleach is most often used in galleys and bathrooms, but use is not limited to these areas alone.
Since chlorine bleach is a strong oxidizing agent, it is hazardous if not used properly. You should never mix chlorine bleach with any other household product, because it can react to form hazardous fumes. For example, mixing chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar can release poisonous chlorine gas.
For thorough surface cleaning on your boat or at home, first wash the area with soap and warm water to remove loose dirt. Next, read and follow label directions to sanitize with bleach. Before use, ask any questions you may have in order to safely use any product.
To Make a Disinfecting Solution
(Reference: Higman Personal Safety Manual, Section 6, Hygiene Policy):
"The use of a disinfecting solution containing one part bleach to 10 parts water will destroy virtually all viruses, fungi and bacteria that could be transmitted to crewmembers. However, when using this solution, crewmembers should be careful and take extra precautions to prevent splashing the solution in their eyes or on their clothing,"
Important Safety Guidelines
NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar ANY other cleaner!
Toxic vapors are produced which can harm your eyes, nose, mouth and most importantly, your lungs and your ability to breathe. Injury from this dangerous reaction can even be fatal.
Try not to directly breathe product fumes. If indoors, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate while you work.
Wear protective clothing such as rubber or other non-porous gloves, eye protection and rubber boots when needed.
First Aid
If exposed to fumes from mixed bleach and ammonia, immediately leave the area and get to fresh air. Seek emergency help. Vapors can attack eyes and mucous membranes, but the biggest threat comes from inhaling toxic gases that may damage your lungs and prevent you from breathing.
1. Get away from the site where chemicals were mixed.
2. Shout for help. Poison Control can give advice on handling after-effects of exposure and chemical cleaning up.
3. If you find someone you think was exposed to these toxic fumes they may be unconscious. If you can, remove the person to fresh air, preferably outdoors. Administer first aid and call for help.
4. Thoroughly ventilate the area before returning to clean any liquids. Open windows or doors and allow time for toxic fumes to dissipate. Only then go back to clean up. Dilute the chemical mixture with plenty of water. Wear gloves, goggles and rubber boots for protection. You can call Poison Control if needed for specific instructions.
The U.S. Poison Control number is: 1-800-222-1222.
Bleaching Laundry
Never Mix Bleaches
Never mix different types of bleach. This can cause a toxic chemical reaction not only harmful to your clothing, but, more importantly, harmful to your lungs and breathing as discussed above.
Dilute for Best Results
Do not pour bleach directly on clothing. This weakens fibers and can remove color. A usual mixture is about 1 cup bleach in one quart warm water before adding to the wash tub. Check the label for specific directions.
Wait to Add Bleach
To allow enzymes in laundry detergents time to do their job wait about 5 minutes to add diluted bleach after the wash cycle begins.
Make it HOT
Chlorine bleach is most effective in hot water. It can be used in warm and cold water, but best results come when used with hot water.
Keep it Fresh
Bleach has a shelf life of about 6 months. To get best results, use fresh bleach properly. To ensure its effectiveness, avoid over-stocking.
When used properly bleach is an inexpensive and effective way to clean on your vessel or at home. It will disinfect and whiten. Bleach will sanitize to help prevent illness and disease. Remember to use caution and work safely and wisely.
All USCG Regional Exam Centers have been closed. The REC is where new license applications are initially processed. That means at this time the initial screening of new applications will not be completed. When the lapse in appropriations is completed the REC's will be begin the initial processing of license in the order that they were received via email. At Higman, we are still emailing applications to the REC's to ensure that your license will not be at the "end of the line".
When you bring your boat to the new Channelview Office there are few important things that you should remember:
On 
"Although the Towboat 
