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How to keep your Radio Communications Equipment, Body Worn Cameras & Accessories Clean

As the scale of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is rapidly unfolding, we must all take precautions to ensure we stay well and prevent infection. As well as regularly cleaning our hands, experts advise to keep our electrical devices clean, and this does include two-way radio communications equipment, body-worn cameras and accessories.

Professor Mike Barer from the University of Leicester told The Metro any surface that has been contaminated by coughing, sneezing, or even breathing is potentially infectious. Experts do not yet know how long the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, but most other viruses can live on plastic surfaces for up to nine days (In comparison, flu viruses can last on surfaces for only about 48 hours.)

Download the PDF Guide to distribute to colleagues

Radio communication fleets can vary from personal issue to shared devices. Radiocoms has put together steps to ensure you keep your two-way radio equipment clean:

UNPLUG – Firstly, ensure that your radio device is turned off and unplugged from its power source.

DO NOT SUBMERGE – Even though a sizeable amount of hand portables are water-resistant and manufactured to a rating of IP67/IP68, Radiocoms advise against submerging the two-way radio in water or a cleaning agent.

SUITABLE CLEANING SOLUTIONS – Do not spray cleaners directly onto your two-way radio, and avoid aerosol sprays, bleaches, and abrasives which can have an effect on plastic and metal platings. You can utilise an anti-bacterial wipe or over-the-counter isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with at least 70% alcohol concentration to disinfect the outside of your portable radio. When cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, the alcohol should never be applied directly to the device, ensuring you dry it with a microfibre cleaning cloth. It is important not to get any liquid in the charging/accessory port or porous areas like speakers. Avoid wiping excessively as this could cause damage.

CLEANING THE KEYPAD – A canned air-duster is a good way to clean out the keypad, and you can also utilise a microfibre cleaning cloth or small brush to remove dirt. There are also plastic-safe, lint-free tech-friendly alcohol wipes.

SCREEN – If your portable radio has a screen, you can utilise spray cleaners that are designed for electronic screens, cleaning from top to bottom. Never press hard on the screen you are cleaning and remember a little goes a long way. Do not use water!