Disinfect devices to avoid contamination

Disinfect devices to avoid contamination

If handwashing is one of the main measures to prevent infection, disinfecting devices is almost as important, especially for those that are shared among workers throughout their shifts.

Disinfection of computer equipment such as computers, PDAs, scanners, readers or printers is essential in the work environment.

Following the spread of COVID-19 we have received several inquiries from customers about how they could disinfect their devices in order to minimize the risk of infection to their team members. Workers who share and are in direct contact with devices that are essential for the performance of their duties, either in hospitals, factories, warehouses, logistics chains, etc..

At Logiscenter, we know that devices are a key part of any business that seeks to optimize its efficiency, so here we explain how to disinfect them and reduce the risk of contamination of bacteria, viruses or other pathogens.

Although the main manufacturers produce manuals for each of their devices in which they indicate specific cleaning protocols for each device, from Logiscenter and thanks to our extensive experience distributing barcode devices, printers and mobile devices we want to give you a series of recommendations for the disinfection of your devices and their proper maintenance and conservation.

Recommended substances

spray para desinfectar

100% or some combination of the following:

  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Bleach/Sodium Hypochlorite (*plastic surfaces only)
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Ammonium Chloride
  • Mild dish soap

*Due to the oxidizing power of sodium hypochlorite, try to prevent it from coming into contact with metal surfaces in the device as it causes corrosion.

Substances to avoid

On the other hand, the following substances are harmful to plastics and should be avoided; acetone, ketones, ethers, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, alkaline-water or alcoholic solutions, ethanolamine, toluene, trichloroethylene, benzene, carbolic acid and TB lysoform.

It should also be noted that some vinyl gloves contain an additive called phthalate which makes them more flexible and is harmful to plastics and therefore it is not advisable to use them while handling the device.

Case

You can use alcohol wipes, cleaning the casing, including the buttons.

Display

The screen can be cleaned with alcohol wipes, but you should avoid accumulation of liquid around the edges of the screen. Immediately dry the screen with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to prevent scratching

Camera

Clean the camera with a microfiber cloth like those used for optical cleaning.

Connector

cotton

To clean the connectors:

  • Remove the main battery from the mobile device.
  • Dip a cotton swab into isopropyl alcohol.
  • Rub the cotton swab back and forth across the connector. Avoid leaving any cotton residue on the connector.
  • Repeat the above steps at least three times.
  • Moisten another cotton swab in alcohol to remove grease and dirt near the connector area.
  • Use a dry swab and repeat step 5.
  • Spray compressed air into the connector area pointing the tube about 1.5cm from the surface.
  • Inspect the area for grease or dirt, repeat if necessary.

Specific recommendations by device type

  • Barcode readers: the first thing to do when cleaning it is to disconnect it from the power supply and turn it off. For places that are difficult to reach, you should use cotton swabs so that you can disinfect the area more thoroughly. Once the disinfection of the equipment is finished, remember to dry it with a clean and dry cloth.
  • Printers: In the case of printers, it is essential to clean and disinfect all areas of the equipment, especially if they are mobile printers, since they can carry infectious agents from one place to another. The key parts to disinfect are; the screen, the paper opening and the keyboard. For the latter two you can use swabs to properly clean the equipment.
  • PDA´s: First of all you have to disconnect the power and turn it off. To clean them with the suggested products it is important not pour them directly on the equipment.

Logiscenter recommends that you clean your devices periodically following the guidelines of the equipment manufacturer. This will help ensure the correct hygiene of mobile devices, scanners, printers and their proper maintenance. These efforts will serve to prevent your employees, through shared devices, from being potentially exposed to viruses and bacteria.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our experts who will answer all your questions.