Important Safety Guidelines On Touching A Membrane Switch During The Pandemic

The COVID19 pandemic is compelling every member of society to learn about public health awareness. Across the world, there are new social distancing barriers that help mitigate the spread of the virus. In addition to using hand sanitizers, masks, and gloves, the average citizen must also develop new cleanliness habits to stay healthy and keep the immediate public around them safe from the risk of virus transmission. Since the membrane switch is a key part of our lives, it’s imperative that people learn how to use these devices safely. Membrane switches are used in medical devices, aerospace components, gaming tools, industrial equipment, and a variety of consumer products. How to touch and use these switches safely during the pandemic? Here’s a brief guide.

Using Membrane Switches on Medical Devices

Any membrane switch that’s used in the medical industry goes through strict FDA safety tests. In addition to featuring reliable metal domes and high-quality plating, these switches are also properly sealed and moisture-protected against liquid exposures. So, your normal cleaning solutions don’t apply to these switches. Since most medical devices feature switches with low tactile force and high tactile feel, cleaning these flat switches can be challenging. So, people operating such devices need to select the correct cleaning materials. Dry paper or microfiber cloth dipped in small amounts of organic cleaning agents are ideal for cleaning these switches on medical devices.

Virus Exposure Risks in Membrane Switches

You’ve knowingly or unknowingly used a membrane switch before. Be it while getting cash out of an ATM or while using a computer - countless public spaces are full of these switches. Since using these switches means physically interacting with their surfaces, it’s vital for consumers to know what types of diseases can linger on them. The U.S. National Institute of Health reports that the COVID19 virus can survive up to four hours on copper surfaces, twenty-four hours on cardboard surfaces, and up to seventy-two hours on stainless steel and plastic surfaces. So, any time users come in contact with the membrane switches’ high-touch surfaces; they must wash their hands.

Using Safety Tools

The best way to avoid (or try to avoid) the risk of COVID19 transmission is to avoid direct interactions with the high-touch surfaces of membrane switches. A membrane switch can be easily operated using small tools or devices like styluses. All essential workers like construction specialists, food handlers, cleaning professionals, and medical professionals are already using gloves. Others need to replicate this behavior as gloves are the most effective barrier for average citizens against the harmful substances that may reside on the membrane switches you use.

The Benefits of Being Extra Aware

Some of the safety procedures for using membrane switches may obstruct your normal activities. For instance, a trip to the local ATM station may take longer. But, using gloves or styluses every time you touch these switches helps people become more aware of the virus risks around them. These solutions may be imperfect or uncomfortable. But, they help spread awareness about legitimate risks. For more information visit here: CSI Keyboards, Inc.