The Right Way to Clean Your Gas Detector Devices
In order to detect the presence of gases within an area, gas detection devices are used. These devices can be life-saving instruments. For them to be effective, these personal gas monitors must be worn near your “breathing zone”, defined by OSHA as “a hemisphere forward of the shoulders within a radius of approximately 6 to 9 inches”.
Wearing a gas detection device near your nose and mouth implies that some of the bacteria, dirt, and dust collected by the monitor may be very close to your face and can possibly be inhaled.
Regular cleaning of your devices is essential to providing an accurate reading.
Avoid Regular Disinfectants
When it comes time to clean your gas detector, it is normal for you to assume that using a regular disinfectant would do the job. However, this is precisely what you should not do.
Gas monitors include sensitive electronic elements that require special care during their cleaning and disinfecting. The sensors and sensor housings are highly sensitive to chemicals, including alcohol, and using them to clean your device could prevent it from functioning correctly, placing you in potentially hazardous situations.
- Alcohol, including products such as Purell® and Lysol® or Lysol wipes
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach), including products such as Clorox® or Clorox wipes
- D-limonene, including products such as Dawn® or Sunlight® dishwashing liquid
- Silicone, including products such as Armor-All® or Armor-All wipes1
Before using a disinfectant, conduct routine cleaning following the user manual to remove dirt and other contaminants.
Disinfection Guide
To complete the disinfection of your device, follow the cleaning product manufacturer’s instructions and contact time information.
MSA’s recommendation regarding products:
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Other disinfectants may be used if they meet the following criteria:
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Active ingredient of only hydrogen peroxide OR only quaternary ammonium
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Do not contain alcohol at a concentration greater than 0.1% by weight
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Do not contain sodium hypochlorite at a concentration greater than 7.4% as an active ingredient
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You can also use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in water with five minutes of contact time on the surfaces.
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If no other cleaning products meeting the above criteria are available, diluted household bleach may be used as a temporary measure until an option from the above list is available. CDC recommends preparing a bleach solution by mixing the following:
- Five tablespoons (⅓ cup) bleach per gallon of water OR four teaspoons bleach per quart of water
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation, ensuring a contact time of at least one minute.
Make sure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser!
After using disinfectants, it is recommended that you wipe down the product with water to remove any residue that may impact the product over time.
Discover MSA’s Altair Gas Detector Series
2 MSA (April 10, 2020). Product Cleaning Guidance: Portable Gas Detection Instruments.
