By Mike Flender, Systems Architect
Effective workplace cleaning practices are always an important factor in ensuring safe and healthy conditions for employees, customers and visitors. But the unexpected circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have cast an inescapable spotlight upon this silent “given.”
Businesses of every size and discipline have responded by taking thoughtful, relevant steps to define, enact and prominently share their heightened social-distancing and disinfecting practices to help reduce the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. A common sentiment is that it’s up to all of us, working together, to protect and maintain one another’s safety and well-being.
In addition to the steps we’ve implemented within our facility, we want to ensure our customers are equipped with best practices for cleaning and disinfecting Crystal Group products. The following method – demonstrated here – is safe for all Crystal Group servers, computers, networking devices, keyboards and LCD screens.
- Disconnect all external power sources, devices and cables.
- Use an ESD*-safe, lint-free cloth; avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels or similar items.
- Apply a light to moderate amount of 70 percent (or higher) isopropyl alcohol solution to the cloth. If solution is dripping from the cloth, wring the excess from the cloth before proceeding. Never spray cleaners directly on to the equipment. Do not use bleach or other alternative cleaning agents like Clorox® wipes as they can damage the exterior finishes and labeling.
- Wipe down the exterior surfaces with the alcohol-dampened cloth thoroughly.
- If wiping connectors, ensure the operator is grounded in compliance with ANSI/ESD 20.20, the global standard for the development of an ESD Control Program, as published by the ESD Association.
- Watch to ensure some alcohol is present as you sanitize the surface. This can be verified by watching the alcohol evaporate after wiping the equipment with the soft, alcohol-dampened cloth.
- If desired, cleaned equipment may be stored in an ESD-safe bag when not in use to prevent contamination.
If you have any questions on safe cleaning and disinfecting practices for Crystal Group products after reviewing or following these prescribed steps, please contact our Technical Services team.
Together, we can and will overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow to achieve our shared goals safely and successfully.
*Guidelines for electrostatic discharge (ESD)-safe materials and handling procedures are included in the ANSI/ESD 20.20 control document.