IPA rag alcohol operation precautions and specifications

1. Safety Precautions: Mitigate Fire, Health, and Surface Risks

• Fire Prevention:
  • Use IPA wipes only in well-ventilated areas (fume hoods, open windows) to avoid vapor buildup. Never use near open flames (Bunsen burners, heat guns) or ignition sources (electrical sparks from ungrounded tools).
  • Store unused IPA wipes in sealed, fire-resistant containers (e.g., metal cans with tight lids) away from heat (keep below 30°C/86°F). Dispose of used wipes in lidded, fire-safe waste bins—used wipes retain IPA and can self-ignite if piled (limit 50 wipes per bin).
• Health Protection:
  • Wear nitrile gloves (latex absorbs IPA, causing skin dryness; vinyl offers poor chemical resistance) to avoid direct contact—prolonged exposure irritates skin and can cause dermatitis.
  • Avoid inhaling IPA vapors: If cleaning large surfaces, wear a disposable respirator (N95 or better) to prevent respiratory irritation. Never use IPA wipes in confined spaces without ventilation.
• Surface Compatibility:
  • Test IPA wipes on an inconspicuous spot before use on sensitive materials:
    • Avoid: Soft plastics (PVC, polystyrene—IPA causes cracking), anti-reflective (AR) optical coatings (use lens-specific wipes instead), and uncoated aluminum (IPA may cause discoloration).
    • Safe: Glass, stainless steel, rigid plastics (polypropylene, HDPE), and electronics (with 70% IPA—avoids short circuits).

2. Operational Specifications: Standardized Steps for Efficacy

• Pre-Use Preparation:
  • Select the correct IPA concentration:
    • 99% IPA wipes: For heavy residues (flux, dried reagents, grease)—high purity dissolves tough contaminants but evaporates quickly (use for non-porous surfaces).
    • 70% IPA wipes: For disinfection (biological safety cabinets, pipettes) and electronics—water content slows evaporation, improving sanitization and reducing static risk.
  • Inspect wipes for defects: Discard frayed, dry, or contaminated wipes (visible lint, stains)—they cause scratches or spread debris.
• In-Use Technique:
  • Use light, controlled pressure (<0.5 psi) when wiping—firm pressure compresses wipe fibers, reducing solvent release and increasing scratch risk (critical for optics or polished metals).
  • Wipe in single, linear strokes (horizontal/vertical) instead of circles: Circular motions spread residues and generate friction (risky for delicate surfaces like PCB traces or lens coatings).
  • For tight areas (e.g., PCB component gaps, pipette nozzles): Tear wipes into thin strips (1cm wide) and guide with tweezers—avoids over-wiping and solvent contact with non-target parts.
• Post-Use Verification:
  • Inspect surfaces for streaks or residue: For glass/optics, check under angled light—re-wipe with a dry, lint-free wipe if streaks remain (IPA evaporates quickly, but water in 70% IPA may leave spots).
  • Ensure electronics are fully dry before powering on: Use a dry wipe to blot excess moisture—moisture causes short circuits in PCBs, sensors, or control panels.

3. Prohibited Practices: Avoid These Critical Mistakes

• Do NOT reuse IPA wipes: Used wipes trap residues and debris—reusing them scratches surfaces or recontaminates components.
• Do NOT soak surfaces with IPA wipes: Excess solvent seeps into housings (e.g., microscope lens barrels, electronic enclosures) and damages internal parts.
• Do NOT mix IPA wipes with other cleaners: Combining IPA with ammonia, bleach, or acetone creates toxic fumes (e.g., chloroform) that are harmful if inhaled.
• Do NOT use IPA wipes on live electronics: Always power down and disconnect devices (e.g., laptops, spectrometers) before cleaning—even 70% IPA can conduct electricity if pooled.