Cleaning Guide Provided by DEWALT and Stanley Black & Decker

This guide is provided by DEWALT and Stanley Black & Decker.

Warning: Many chemicals and cleaners can affect the safety of these products if the substances enter the product through openings or seams in the product enclosure.  These substances may cause corrosion of the circuitry and components resulting in fire or mechanical malfunction, a degradation of a product’s insulation resulting in electrical shock or other conditions that may lead to fire, electric shock or personal injury, including death.  It should be noted that the effect of these substances entering the product may not be immediate. To avoid these occurrences, it is recommended that following precautions are observed:

• Always unplug any devices and remove batteries prior to cleaning.

• Wring out cloths, sponges, or wipes used for wiping the outside of the product with a liquid substance thoroughly so that no liquid enters the product.

• Avoid touching electrical terminals of products, and the prongs and connectors of power cords or other cables. When wiping batteries, be sure to avoid the terminal area where contact is made between the battery and the product.

• Allow the product time to dry after cleaning before reapplying power or re-attaching the battery.

• Do not use chemicals, cleaners, or disinfecting solutions that are harsh, corrosive or can interact with the materials of the tool. Household cleaners and disinfectants are typically safe to use, but the use of other chemicals, not formulated into cleaners or disinfectants should be avoided.

• There are different recommendations for batteries compared to tools and chargers. Be sure to follow the correct advice for the product you are cleaning.

Personnel

• Wash your hands frequently, and before and after cleaning.

• Do not touch your face.

• Use a proper hand sanitizer.

• Wear the appropriate PPE as determined by the CDC.

Tool Rest Period

• When the situation permits products should be cleaned in accordance with the cleaning instructions provided in the instruction manual for the product and then left to rest for 72 hours. This is based on CDC advice that the virus may live on plastic surfaces for up to 72 hours, which suggests that the virus would no longer be harmful after the resting period.  If the instruction manual has been lost, misplaced, or is not kept at the jobsite, digital versions of the instruction manuals for your specific device can be found at www.toolservicenet.com

If the user cannot wait for 72 hours in between use of the tools, chargers, or batteries, the below cleaning methods are suggested based on guidance from the CDC and PTI.

Tool and Charger Cleaning

• Always unplug any devices and remove batteries prior to cleaning.

• For tools and chargers only, if the user cannot wait for 72 hours to use the tool or charger, it can first be cleaned in accordance with the cleaning instructions provided in the instruction manual and then cleaned with a cloth or sponge dampened with a diluted bleach solution* and allowed to air dry. This method is consistent with CDC advice. It is important to adhere to the warnings below:

a. Do not use the bleach solution to clean batteries (see battery cleaning instructions below).

b. Observe the necessary precautions when cleaning with bleach.

c. Do not use the tool or charger if you detect degradation of the housing, cord or other plastic or rubber parts of the tool or charger after cleaning with the diluted bleach solution.

d. The diluted bleach solution should never be mixed with ammonia or any other cleanser.

• When cleaning, dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the cleaning material and ensure the cloth or sponge is not dripping wet.

• Gently wipe each handle, grasping surface, or outer surface with the cloth or sponge, using care to ensure liquids do not flow into the product.

• Electrical terminals of products and the prongs and connectors of power cords or other cables must be avoided.

• Allow the product to air dry completely before reapplying power or reattaching the battery.

• People handling products should avoid touching their face with unwashed hands and immediately wash their hands or use a proper hand sanitizer before and after use to help prevent contamination.

*A properly diluted bleach solution can be made by mixing:

• 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water; or

• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Note: Refer to CDC website for any additional updates or changes to the bleach solution mixing guidance.

Battery Cleaning

• Always remove batteries prior to cleaning.

• For batteries, if the user cannot wait for 72 hours to use the tool or charger, it can first be cleaned in accordance with the cleaning instructions provided in the instruction manual and then cleaned with a cloth or sponge dampened with a standard household cleaning solution that does not include bleach and allowed to air dry.

Solution and Cleaning Device Replacement

• For cleaning solutions contained in a spray bottle, mix bleach/water solution with ratios as noted above fresh every 24 hours.

• For cleaning solutions in an open container such as a bucket or bowl, change out daily or more frequently if the solution becomes noticeably dirty from the sanitation of the tools.

• At the start of each shift, replace the sponge or cloth being utilized to clean the tools and use the clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the work area, and cleaning materials with the bleach solution prior to commencing cleaning of tools.

Please note: This guidance does not apply for cleaning products where there is a risk of other health hazards, such as blood, other blood borne pathogens or asbestos.

Please note: This guidance is for information only and is further subject to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), OSHA, and those of State and Local health departments. Please follow applicable guidelines of these agencies