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Ansell recognizes it is important to consider ways to sanitize or launder reusable Mechanical PPE to extend their useful life.

With the increased demand for PPE over the last year and a half, Ansell recognizes it is important to consider ways to sanitize or launder reusable Mechanical PPE to extend their useful life and help to prevent the spread of the virus.

Mechanical PPE such as HyFlex® gloves and sleeves help prevent industrial workplace mechanical risks like lacerations and abrasions, and are designed to withstand long-term use and multiple cleaning and disinfecting cycles unlike limited-use PPE, which cannot endure washing as it is likely to compromise the integrity and increase the risk of exposure.

How Clean is “Clean” and What Methods are Available?

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a growing question of how to effectively cleanse gloves and sleeves that provide mechanical risk protection. Ansell's expert team has prepared the following guidelines for those who are investigating proper methods for cleaning, sanitizing and/or disinfecting their reusable hand and arm PPE, taking into consideration the potential impacts on structure, integrity and protective performance of HyFlex® and other mechanical protection gloves and sleeves.

There are several ways in which PPE “cleansing” can be executed, each requiring separate methods and each having different degrees of effectiveness and challenges:

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*Preferred method for decontaminating Mechanical PPE **Ethanol can be substituted for isopropyl alcohol. Do not substitute with methanol †EPA-approved

Sterilization is a more intensive method for cleansing PPE and is typically used in environments which require more rigorous decontamination procedures such as hospitals.

REMEMBER! Always wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after removing PPE

Inspection Prior to Re-Use

PPE should be inspected thoroughly before use, to be sure they are in good condition with no degradation, tears, or wear that could affect performance. The re-use of any item without having completed a cleansing process is considered inadequate and unsafe. If you observe any defects on the PPE, it should not be re-used and disposed of in accordance with local guidelines.

Disclaimer: Employers must ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace as well as the proper inspection and disposal of regulated waste and PPE. Since Ansell does not control the environment the PPE is stored or used, the cleansing and re-use decisions of Ansell products, whether alone or in combination with additional PPE for an application, is the final responsibility of the user.

Previously Featured on Ansell's Media Center.

Download a PDF of Ansell's 2020 Sustainability Report, which details the company's approach to sustainability and how it integrates Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities into its three focus areas of ‘Better Society, Better Environment, Better Business.’ 

Browse Ansell's line of gloves, sleeves and other PPE on MSCDirect.com.

 

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Ansell is a global supplier of personal protection (PPE) equipment solutions designed for workers in a wide range of industries. Ansell's customers include businesses engaged in the Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare and Scientific sectors, as well as many other business sectors. Ansell has developed a global presence that includes sales, operations and manufacturing sites in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia and employs more than 15,000 people worldwide. Ansell's position as a market leader has evolved over more than 100 years of history and can be attributed to our history of providing innovative protection solutions to workers through a deep understanding of the worker experience.

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