Arc Flash PPE and Covid-19: Cleaning and Disinfecting

Frequently cleaning and maintaining Arc Flash PPE is crucial to preserve the efficacy of the equipment. Contaminants on PPE impact its ability to protect you!

When cleaning PPE do NOT use:

• Bleach

• Hydrogen based products (both separately and in detergent)

• Hot Water

• Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

What is SAFE for PPE Cleaning and Upkeep:

• Warm water (do not exceed 140°F)

• Mild Detergent

• Regularly check PPE for tears and ripped seams

• Keep track of how long your PPE has been in service

• When in doubt, always check the label for washing instructions!

COVID-19 research has shown that the virus can survive on surfaces for several days. This has raised concern and uncertainty regarding the need to clean AND disinfect Arc Rated PPE.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention helps differentiate cleaning and disinfecting:

“Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.”

“Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.”

Knowing how to properly clean and disinfect is even more important when PPE is shared. Many experts disapprove of shared Arc Flash PPE describing it as “unacceptable” and to “keep personal equipment personal”!

“The current global pandemic acutely highlights the necessity to stop sharing arc flash PPE. We are dealing with a sober reality: sharing PPE between workers should be prohibited, unless it can be cleaned and disinfected between uses. The risk of cross-contamination between workers is simply unacceptable.” – Jim Pollard

 “In summary, personal protective equipment is personal for a reason. One of the many recommendations to prevent the spread of potential infections, including COVID-19, is to ‘keep personal items personal”. This includes avoiding sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing, athletic equipment, and, yes, electrical PPE should be on this list too!” – Hugh Hoagland, Sr. Partner at E-Hazard

Bleach and sanitizers regularly used to kill the virus cannot be used on Arc Rated PPE because they will decrease the PPE’s effectiveness. Therefore, it is important not to share PPE unless there is an immediate hazard and no other PPE is available. If sharing PPE is ABSOLUTELY necessary, here are some ways to lower your risk.

• Leather Gloves, Face Shields, and Rubber Gloves: Hand wash items using a mild soap and water and let air dry. Do no use bleach or hand sanitizers because they can damage the coating and reduce the equipment’s ability to protect you.

• Arc Flash Suits: The best way is to clean the items per usual. Just warm water and mild detergent! This method will wash away any contaminants and lower your risk!

To learn more about cleaning Arc Rated PPE, check out The Current Q&A: How Do I Clean Arc Rated PPE?