News Details

On 10 March 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a wide circulation draft of the revised standard for Zinc Phosphide - Code of Safety (Document Number: CHD 7 (33937) WC). The revision was prepared by the Chemical Hazards Committee (CHD 7). 

Scope and Key Provisions 

Zinc phosphide (CAS No 1314-84-7) is a rodenticide used for controlling rats, mice, and other rodents. It is a dark grey powder or granular solid that acts as a stomach poison by producing toxic phosphine gas. 

The draft standard provides comprehensive guidance on the general properties of zinc phosphide, its associated hazards, and safety practices. It also covers storage, handling, labelling, waste disposal, container cleaning and repair, selection and training of personnel, personal protective equipment (PPE), and first-aid measures. However, the standard does not include specifications for the design of buildings, chemical plants, storage vessels, operational control equipment, or waste disposal systems. 

Updates Introduced in the Revision 

The standard IS 9278, originally published in 1979, has been revised to include the following updates: 

• Incorporation of general properties and updated safety measures for hazard control. 

• Enhanced guidance on symptoms of poisoning, first aid, medical treatment, storage, handling, labelling, and employee safety. 

• Modification of the title to “Zinc Phosphide - Code of Safety”. 

Consultation and Timeline 

Stakeholders are invited to review the draft and submit comments via the prescribed template on the BIS portal. The deadline for submission is 9 May 2026. All comments will be considered by the Sectional Committee for any necessary action. 

This revision reflects BIS’s continued commitment to ensure chemical safety and workplace protection across industries handling zinc phosphide.