As we always try to keep our work and home environments safe and protected during this difficult time, it is customary to be overwhelmed with how best to defend against this virus. Ordinary bactericides, such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), acknowledged to be useful in a few applications, might be challenging to come by in the upcoming weeks. Lots of us are resorting to options for disinfectants. But are they perfect for Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPAs)and electronics manufacturing?
Let’s evaluate. Disinfecting is considered to be a multi-step procedure. The best resolution for cleaning ESD mats and other EPA surfaces is with a foamy detergent proposed for that surface, such as 6001 Mat & Table Top Cleaner. Cleaning with detergent will take out dirt, microorganisms, viruses, and debris. Reducing the number of germs and viruses on a surface is the primary step towards a safe and secure work setting. Spray on the mat, wait for 4-5 minutes, then wipe the surface off. If a second step is required to make sure there is no remaining, spray it with plain water and mop the mat with low-lint wipes.
When the addition of a third disinfecting step is preferred, and 70% IPA solution is not accessible, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution might be a good option. It is more effective than IPA to control bacteria and fungal spores. However, it doesn't have any cleaning properties. A few ESD managers might take caution as hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer. Whichever disinfectant is applied, it ought to rest on the mat surface for some minutes before wiping off the solution.
Other substitute cleaners and disinfectants must be evaluated with the inspection as they might not be appropriate near responsive device manufacturing. For example, Witch hazel is an astringent, not a disinfectant. Vinegar is acidic and will harm the metal. Although bleach is an efficient disinfectant, inappropriate use, as well as using the incorrect dilution, might reduce its efficiency and cause damage to workers.
Cold sterilants are excellent disinfectants used in pharmaceutical cleanrooms. However, they may be too acidic to apply to sensitive machine manufacturing where metal parts and materials could be damaged. Bactericides, such as IPA, emulsify lipids in the virus's cell wall so that the proteins lose their formation and collapse. An oxidizer does the similar but also attacks other necessary components of the virus-cell. Though it may seem the better option, it is more than what is required to manage viruses in non-medical facilities.
Be alert of some disinfectants and cold sterilants as they contain a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide than needed. When applying oxidizers against viruses, the CDC says 3% hydrogen peroxide is a steady and efficient disinfectant when applied on inanimate surfaces.
In this critical era where safety is the primary concern, companies prefer security over the optimal care of ESD mats as any sanitizer will decrease the rubber's life. ACL always encourages a multi-step cleaning schedule, but we also stress the initial step's significance — clean-up by removing contaminants. If first-step clean-up is skipped, sanitizing oxidizers would not sanitize the surface as dust can work against the disinfecting abilities.