1. Pre-Use Precautions: Ensure Wipe Suitability & Lab Safety
- Verify Wipe Specifications:
Confirm the wipe’s anti-static rating (surface resistance: 10⁶–10¹⁰ Ω for static-dissipative; ≤10⁶ Ω for conductive) matches the lab’s ESD risk level. For example, use conductive wipes for handling microchips (≤50V ESD tolerance) and static-dissipative wipes for less sensitive items (e.g., PCB housings). Avoid wipes without certified anti-static documentation—they may generate static instead of neutralizing it.
- Check Compatibility with Lab Materials:
Test wipes on inconspicuous surfaces before use:
- Avoid using alcohol-impregnated anti-static wipes on plastic lab equipment (e.g., microfluidic chips) or anti-reflective (AR) coatings—solvents may cause warping or peeling.
- Ensure cellulose-blend wipes are not used with strong chemicals (e.g., acetone, MEK) in chemistry labs, as they can degrade fibers and release lint.
- Prepare the Lab Environment:
Work on an ESD-safe mat connected to a ground line, and wear an ESD wrist strap (properly grounded) to prevent static transfer from your body to the wipe or components. Keep the area free of drafts—airflow can stir up dust and reduce the wipe’s contaminant-capturing efficiency.
2. In-Use Precautions: Protect Components & Maintain Anti-Static Performance
- Handle Wipes Correctly to Avoid Static Buildup:
- Grab wipes by their outer edges only—never touch the cleaning surface with bare hands. Skin oils coat fibers, blocking their anti-static properties and leaving residue on lab components (e.g., sensor diaphragms).
- Avoid fast, frictional motions (e.g., rubbing or scrubbing) when using wipes—friction generates static, defeating the wipe’s purpose. Instead, use slow, gentle dabs or linear strokes for cleaning.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination:
- Use one wipe per component or task. For example, a wipe used to clean a dusty lab bench should never be reused on a precision optical lens—this transfers dirt and scratches delicate surfaces.
- Do not place used wipes on lab benches or equipment. Dispose of them immediately in a sealed, ESD-safe waste bin to avoid reintroducing dust or static.
- Avoid Over-Saturating Pre-Impregnated Wipes:
If using pre-wet anti-static wipes (e.g., IPA-impregnated), do not add extra solvent. Over-saturation dilutes the anti-static agent, reduces wipe durability, and increases the risk of solvent damage to lab components (e.g., corrosion on copper PCB traces).
3. Post-Use Precautions: Ensure Lab Cleanliness & Wipe Storage
- Validate Post-Clean Results:
After cleaning, inspect components under a 10–40x magnifier to check for lint, residue, or damage. For ESD-sensitive items (e.g., laser diodes), use an ESD field meter to confirm the surface remains static-neutral (≤50V)—residual static can attract dust hours after cleaning.
- Store Unused Wipes Properly:
- Keep anti-static wipes in their original sealed packaging or airtight, ESD-safe containers. Exposure to air causes pre-wet wipes to dry out (losing anti-static and cleaning efficacy) and dry wipes to absorb dust.
- Store wipes in a temperature (20–24°C) and humidity (30–50%) controlled area. Extreme humidity can clump cellulose wipes, while low humidity makes polyester fibers brittle—both reduce performance.
- Dispose of Wipes in Compliance with Lab Rules:
- Separate solvent-impregnated anti-static wipes (e.g., IPA wipes) from dry wipes—solvent-laden wipes may require special disposal (e.g., incineration) to avoid chemical hazards in biology or chemistry labs.
- Never flush wipes down drains or discard them with regular trash if they 接触 (contact) hazardous materials (e.g., biological samples, toxic chemicals)—follow lab protocols for hazardous waste disposal.