How to Disinfect and Clean Safety Equipment in Your Workplace

Having the proper equipment in your workplace may not be enough to guarantee the safety of your workforce. You need to maintain a clean and sterile work environment, especially during these tough times when the country is battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Cleaning your safety equipment not only helps prevent the virus from spreading but can also prevent damage and ensure the longevity of the equipment. Below is a summary of how you should effectively sanitise and clean different safety equipment in your workplace.

1. Metal Systems

Perhaps you have a lot of metal pieces of equipment in your workplace. These can be easily cleaned with water, soap, and a soft cloth. You can use a small brush to clean any hard to clean crevices. If you must use a hard brush or anything that can scrape or scratch the equipment, you’ll need to be very careful when cleaning. This is common when cleaning powder-coated railings whose outer layer could get shaved off, forcing you to reapply the coating. You may look for anodised aluminium and galvanised metal and take advantage of their resistance to rust and durability. Ensure to maintain a clean railing to guarantee significant longevity. You should also clean and disinfect all the barriers for safe distancing installed to help workers and customers maintain a safe distance with each other to help prevent further transmission of the virus.

2. Harnesses

When it comes to harnesses, the fibres are the main part to keep safe. You need to ensure you take special care of your safety harness to prevent any possible damage or compromise on safety. Ensure to wash your harness frequently with a soapy mixture. You’ll need to clean every part of it but ensure the soap isn’t abrasive or contains bleaching agents. Such additives can damage the fibres of the equipment hence compromising its integrity. When washing the harness, avoid using the washer, dryer, or use a heat gun to dry it after scrubbing it down to avoid damaging the equipment and impact the longevity of its use. The fibres can be damaged by intense heat. You should also avoid soaking the harness to prevent expanding it and damaging the integrity of the fibres.

3. Lanyards and Gloves

Lanyards and gloves should be washed with water, soft brush, and a mild detergent. Avoid soaking the equipment if it is fibre-based to ensure you maintain its integrity. When using rubber gloves, ensure you don’t use hot water or any bleaching agent that could damage the equipment. After washing your lanyards or gloves, allow them to drip dry indoors. Do not leave them to dry in the sun to prevent possible physical or aesthetical damage.

4. Goggles

If you have plastic goggles, you can clean them using a solution of soap and water. Soaking them will not harm the equipment, but ensure the fibre straps are not saturated. After the cleaning and rinsing, you can use a dry rag to wipe the goggles and let them drip dry. You should also disinfect the equipment regularly, especially after touching them when you haven’t cleaned or sanitised your hands.

5. Hardhats

These pieces of equipment can be cleaned by gently scrubbing the surfaces of the hats using soap and water until all dirt and grime are removed. The same process can be used to clean the interior of the equipment. After cleaning, you should dry it with a towel and let it dry further in a tepid environment away from the sun. Ensure to also disinfect the equipment before and after using it, and whenever you remove it say, during breaks.