Using the HMT

Cleaning Process Guidelines

HMT-1-HeadStrapimage_durability-300x300Nav 520 + Standard Camera

RealWear devices are industrial strength assisted reality devices designed for rugged use in hazardous environments.  RealWear Navigator® 500 Series, HMT-1® and HMT-1Z1® are certified to meet IP66 standards for water and dust ingress. All discussion henceforth concerns the cleaning of devices and their ability to withstand common cleaning processes.

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Before You Begin

  • Device enclosures have been tested against soaking with 96% ethanol.
  • Device enclosures are able to withstand submersion in ethanol for 5 minutes.
  • IMPORTANT: This test was for housing integrity only and was not performed on
    working devices.

Cleaning the RealWear Device

Combining the IP66 certification and the ability of the housing to withstand 96% Ethanol, RealWear guidance is:

  • Devices may be wiped or sprayed with up to 96% alcohol.
  • Comfort parts can cleaned by subjecting to epoxy ethane vapor, or replaced with RealWear’s Flexbands. Flexbands are RealWear’s silicone ‘clean-room’ straps. Flexbands can be wiped with alcohol.

Follow these instructions for cleaning the different areas of the device:

  • Exposure: Ensure that all covers are firmly secured when cleaning.  The device is water resistant so cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap is appropriate. DO NOT submerge the device.
  • Alcohol Wipes: You may also use isopropyl alcohol wipes to clean and lightly sterilize the hard surfaces. Dry surfaces or simply allow to air dry.
  • Display and Camera Glass: Use a standard micro-fiber cloth to wipe off glass parts. You can use screen cleaner to enable the sharpest possible images.
  • Fabric Parts: Under normal use the Overhead Strap and Rear Head Pad are expected to eventually wear down and need replacement.  Replacement straps and pads can be purchased at the RealWear Store.  They may be cleaned with alcohol wipes, but excessive cleaning may accelerate wear.
  • Battery:  Should the battery become dirty, clean with a dry cloth alone or in combination with alcohol.  If dirty, they may be cleaned with cloth, cotton swaps, toothbrush, and alcohol if needed.  The contacts should not corrode.  If the battery appears at all damaged, replace the battery immediately.
  • Warranty:  The battery must always be kept dry. 

Cleaning Device Accessories

  • Hardhat Clips: Hardhat mounting clips are made of plastic and can be cleaned with alcohol wipes or water. Tip: Toothpicks can be used to remove dirt in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Tri-band Strap: The Tri-band Strap is comprised of plastic and fabric. It can be cleaned with alcohol wipes, but excessive cleaning may accelerate wear. Replacement straps can be purchased in the RealWear Store.
  • Overhead Band: The Overhead Band can be cleaned with alcohol wipes.
  • Hearing Protection Ear Buds: The RealWear Hearing Protection Ear Buds are an electronic component with a metal connector, and cleaning of the buds themselves is not recommended. A polish with a dry or lightly damp cloth should be sufficient.  Too much moisture could cause damage to the speakers.
  • Foam Tips for Hearing Protection Ear Buds: The foam tips for the ear buds are comprised of memory foam. You may clean with a dry cloth. Too much moisture could damage the foam.  The Foam Tips are considered consumables and are expected to eventually require replacing.  Replacement parts can be purchased in the RealWear Store.

RealWear supports the following sterilization methods:

    • “Cleanbox” or other UVC light sterilization. Example: https://cleanboxtech.com/
    • Cleaning procedure with sodium hypochlorite either “Dispatch” 0.65% solution or “Klericide” 0.5% solution, with a 5 – 7 minute contact time followed by 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe-down. A maximum of 2-year warranty only can be offered if used under this cleaning protocol.
    • 96% ethanol solution with 5-minute contact time.

    Note:  RealWear’s assessment is that IEC 60601-1 is not applicable for the use cases for our devices and 93/42/EEC is not applicable in most circumstances, however that determination must be made by the medical customer.  RealWear assumes no liability for use of the device if it were to fall under these standards.   RealWear has not tested devices to either standard.

    Quick Reference

    Method

    RealWear Guidance

    Wiped or sprayed with up to 96% alcohol.

    Comfort parts can by subjected to epoxy ethane vapor, or replaced with RealWear’s Flexbands.  Flexbands can be wiped with alcohol.

    Yes

    Autoclave

    No

    Epoxy ethane

    No

    Hydrogen peroxide

    No

    Gamma Radiation

    No

    E-Beam Radiation

    No

    IMPORTANT – PLEASE FOLLOW ABOVE GUIDELINES OR YOU WILL DAMAGE THE DEVICE.