Essential Arc Flash PPE Cleaning Recommendations

Arc flash PPE uses expensive, highly engineered materials that need to be properly cleaned and maintained to remain effective. However, dirt, oils, and chemicals impact the protection level, while small tears or rips can expose workers and increase the risk of injury. This is how to care for Honeywell Arc Flash PPE.

Shield and Garments

Chlorine bleaches such as those containing sodium hypochlorite, oxygen bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide as well as soaps (salts or fatty acids) should not be used to wash the PPE, as they may affect the protective properties of the PPE.

• Clean and inspect the Honeywell Salisbury face shield after every use.
• Use mild soap with warm water followed by a pat dry.
• Garments and fabric components should be washed regularly using warm water and a mild detergent.
• The water temperature should be warm but no higher than 165°F.
• Tumble dry at normal temperature.
• Avoid using fabric softener, detergent containing fabric softener, or dryer sheets during dryer cycles.
• Use of disinfectants can harm the arc flash rating and should only be used if recommended.
• Always refer to the user manual for further detailed instructions.

Insulating Gloves and Sleeves

To ensure these items are clean and maintain their insulating properties, Honeywell customers need to follow the ASTM guidelines ‘In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves’ and ‘Visual Inspection of Electrical Protective Rubber Products’ (ASTM F496 and F1236).

Wash your gloves and sleeves with mild soap, as outlined in the ASTM F496 standard.

 “The gloves and sleeves shall be washed with a mild soap or mild detergent and water. After washing, the gloves and sleeves shall be thoroughly rinsed with water to remove all soap or detergent and dried. Mild household type chloride bleach may be used for disinfectant purposes. Soaps, detergents, and bleaches shall not be used at strengths that would attack or harm the rubber surface.”

Avoid petroleum-based cleaners

Using petroleum-based cleaners can damage rubber gloves and sleeves and compromise their insulating properties.

Honeywell recommends using their Salisbury’s line of SCRUBS cleaning towels and Super Salcor Cleaners. These are non-petroleum-based natural rubber and hand cleaners designed to be safe for insulating rubber gloves and sleeves.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Use hand sanitizers that include one of these alcohols: Ethanol, n-propanol, or isopropyl alcohol.

These three alcohols are not harmful to the gloves or sleeves at room temperature. Hand sanitizers should include alcohol levels above 60% and should not have fragrances or scrubbing beads. Wiping gloves at room temperature with one of the three alcohols is fine as well.

Lastly, remember to train workers on how to maintain, inspect, and disinfect PPE.

Previously Featured on Honeywell's News and Events blog.