SECTION II. REVISED CLEANING PROCEDURES

TB 43-0135

SECTION II. REVISED CLEANING PROCEDURES

WARNING

Compressed air is dangerous and can cause serious harm if protective means or methods are not

observed to prevent a chip or particle (of whatever size) from being blown into the eyes or

unbroken skin of the operator or other personnel. Compressed air shall not be used for the

cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 pounds per square inch gauge (30 psig)

and then only with effective chip guarding and personnel protective equipment (industrial safety

glasses and full face shield). DO NOT use compressed air to dry parts when solvent cleaners

have been used.

WARNING

Use solvents in well ventilated areas only. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Avoid bodily

contact. The use of chemical gloves (solvent resistant) and chemical splash goggles are required

when using solvent materials. Do not use near heat, spark or flame. Solvents may be reactive

with acids and oidizers; do not mix or cross-apply with other cleaners or chemicals. Organic

vapor respirator with dust and mist filter is recommended when solvent is spray applied. Keep

containers closed between applications. Provide mechanical ventilation if used in closed spaces.

Coordinate the use of this material with your supporting Industrial Hygiene and Safety Offices.

Ensure that you read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the solvent prior

to use.

WARNING

Handle solvents as combustible liquids. Store cleaning materials in a well ventilated area away

from food or drink and away from heat, sparks and flame. Keep container sealed when not in

use. Solvent saturated waste rags must be placed in a sealed metal container after use to avoid

the possibility of spontaneous combustion.

3-4.

General recommendations for solvent cleaning procedures

a. Where solvent cleaning is required the least hazardous and the weakest strength material, which will achieve the

desired results , should be selected. Ensure that you read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the

solvent prior to use.

b. Solvent cleaning is generally appropriate when rapid drying is required, where material such as paint or adhesives

will be applied shortly after cleaning, where electronic components are unsealed or where electrical power will be applied

to the equipment shortly after cleaning

c. Most of the alternative solvent cleaner evaporates (dry) at a much slower rate than the materials they are

replacing. In general wiping surfaces dry with a clean cloths, to remove as much solvent material as possible, will speed

the drying process. Do not use forced air or heat to speed the drying process unless these procedures have been

approved by both technical and Heath and Safety personnel.

d. Solvent cleaning is generally performed using a damp cloth, a saturated soft bristle brush or low pressure spray

process. When using cleaning solvent follow all Safety precautions and use the least amount of solvent that will achieve

the desired results.

3-5.

Typical Solvent Cleaning Procedures

Use the procedure that most closely duplicates the existing procedure in your technical manual

a. Remove grease, fungus, and ground-in dirt from surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened (not wet) with a

Non-Ozone Depleting Chemical Solvent, (see list of recommended solvents below).

3-2