With the increased demand for PPE over the last year and a half, Ansell recognizes it is important to consider ways to sanitize or launder reusable Mechanical PPE to extend their useful life and help to prevent the spread of the virus.

Mechanical PPE such as HyFlex® gloves and sleeves help prevent industrial workplace mechanical risks like lacerations and abrasions, and are designed to withstand long-term use and multiple cleaning and disinfecting cycles unlike limited-use PPE, which cannot endure washing as it is likely to compromise the integrity and increase the risk of exposure.

How Clean is “Clean” and What Methods are Available?

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a growing question of how to effectively cleanse gloves and sleeves that provide mechanical risk protection. Ansell's expert team has prepared the following guidelines for those who are investigating proper methods for cleaning, sanitizing and/or disinfecting their reusable hand and arm PPE, taking into consideration the potential impacts on structure, integrity and protective performance of HyFlex® and other mechanical protection gloves and sleeves.

There are several ways in which PPE “cleansing” can be executed, each requiring separate methods and each having different degrees of effectiveness and challenges:

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Sterilization is a more intensive method for cleansing PPE and is typically used in environments which require more rigorous decontamination procedures such as hospitals.

Inspection Prior to Re-Use

PPE should be inspected thoroughly before use, to be sure they are in good condition with no degradation, tears, or wear that could affect performance. The re-use of any item without having completed a cleansing process is considered inadequate and unsafe. If you observe any defects on the PPE, it should not be re-used and disposed of in accordance with local guidelines.

%%%Disclaimer: Employers must ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace as well as the proper inspection and disposal of regulated waste and PPE. Since Ansell does not control the environment the PPE is stored or used, the cleansing and re-use decisions of Ansell products, whether alone or in combination with additional PPE for an application, is the final responsibility of the user.%%%

Previously Featured on Ansell's Media Center.

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