GUIDE TO CLEANING AND DISINFECTING GAS DETECTORS
Posted by William Kimmell on 6th Apr 2020
Toxic and combustible gas detectors use electrochemical and catalytic
bead sensors which are designed to be highly sensitive to specific hazardous gases. The performance of these sensors can be affected by the presence of other chemical compounds, such as those found in some cleaning and antiseptic products. Using such products to clean or disinfect gas detectors may cause temporary or permanent changes in the sensitivity of a sensor.
Customers should avoid sanitizing detectors with cleaning agents which include the following active ingredients:
If products with these ingredients are being used to sterilize workers hands, allow enough time for the active ingredients to evaporate before handling gas detectors.
For routine cleaning and disinfecting of gas detectors, customers should use water and a hand soap which does not include any of the previously-listed cleaning agents and wipe the detector
with a soft, damp cloth. Docks and accessories should be cleaned using the same method. A soft cloth towel should be used to dry off the exterior of the unit. Excessive moisture may damage electronic devices.
Detectors should be calibrated or, at a minimum, bump tested after each cleaning to ensure their functionality.
Please follow OSHA Safety Health Information Bulletin for Calibrating and Testing Direct-Reading Portable Gas Monitors (SHIB 09-30-2013) https://www.osha.gov/shib
shib093013.html