Cleaning and disinfecting a printer or Tracking Assistant used with SendSuite Tracking or PitneyTrack

Follow these instructions to properly and safely clean printers and tracking assistants.

Products affected: PitneyTrack® Inbound, SendSuite® Tracking, SendSuite® Arrival®

Follow these instructions to properly and safely clean printers and or Tracking Assistants used with used with Pitney Bowes software.

Cleaning Instructions

CAUTION: Always wear eye protection.

Read warning label on alcohol product before using.

If you have to use any other solution for medical reasons please contact us for more information.

WARNING: Avoid exposing this product to contact with hot oil or other flammable liquids. If such exposure occurs, unplug the device and clean the product immediately in accordance with these guidelines.

Approved Cleanser Active Ingredients

100% of the active ingredients in any cleaner must consist of one or some combination of the following:

  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Bleach/sodium hypochlorite (see important note below)
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Ammonium chloride
  • Mild dish soap

IMPORTANT: Use pre-moistened wipes and do not allow liquid cleaner to pool.

When using sodium hypochlorite (bleach) based products, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.

Use gloves during application and remove the residue afterwards with a damp alcohol cloth or a cotton swab to avoid prolonged skin contact while handling the device.

Due to the powerful oxidizing nature of sodium hypochlorite, the metal surfaces on the device are prone to oxidation (corrosion) when exposed to this chemical in the liquid form (including wipes). In the event that these type of disinfectants come in contact with metal on the device, prompt removal with an alcohol-dampened cloth or cotton swab after the cleaning step is critical.

Harmful Ingredients

The following chemicals are known to damage the plastics on the device and should not come in contact with the device: acetone; ketones; ethers; aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons; aqueous or alcoholic alkaline solutions; ethanolamine; toluene; trichloroethylene; benzene; carbolic acid and TB-lysoform.

Many vinyl gloves contain phthalate additives, which are often not recommended for medical use and are known to be harmful to the housing of the device.

Device Cleaning Instructions

Do not apply liquid directly to the device. Dampen a soft cloth or use pre-moistened wipes. Do not wrap the device in the cloth or wipe, instead gently wipe the unit. Be careful not to let liquid pool around the display window or other places. Before use, allow the unit to air dry.

Printers

For thorough cleaning, it is recommended to first unplug the unit from both power and the PC as well as remove all print media (label stock; ribbon).

When using compressed air, always wear a mask and protective glasses and be in a well-ventilated area. Direct airflow away from you.

Tracking Assistants

For thorough cleaning, it is recommended to first remove all accessory attachments, such as hand straps or cradle cups, from the mobile device and to clean them separately.

Special Cleaning Notes

The device should not be handled while wearing vinyl gloves containing phthalates, or before hands are washed to remove contaminant residue after gloves are removed.

If products containing any of the harmful ingredients listed above are used prior to handling the device, such as hand sanitizer that contains ethanolamine, hands must be completely dry before handling the device to prevent damage to the device.

When using cleaning/disinfectant agents on the device, it is important to follow the directions prescribed by the cleaning/disinfectant agent manufacturer.

Printers

IMPORTANT: If the battery connectors are exposed to cleaning agents, thoroughly wipe off as much of the chemical as possible and clean with an alcohol wipe. It is also recommended to install the battery in the terminal prior to cleaning and disinfecting the device to help minimize buildup on the connectors.

Cleaning Materials Required

  • Alcohol wipes
  • Lens tissue
  • Cotton-tipped applicators
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Can of compressed air with a tube

Cleaning Frequency

The cleaning frequency is at the customer’s discretion due to the varied environments in which the mobile devices are used and may be cleaned as frequently as required. When dirt is visible, it is recommended to clean the mobile device to avoid build-up of particles which make the device more difficult to clean later on.

Tracking Assistants

For consistency and optimum image capture, it is recommended to clean the camera window periodically especially when used in environments prone to dirt or dust.

Cleaning the Tracking Assistant

Housing

Using the alcohol wipes, wipe the housing including buttons.

Display

The display can be wiped down with the alcohol wipes, but care should be taken not to allow any pooling of liquid around the edges of the display. Immediately dry the display with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to prevent streaking.

Camera and Exit Window

Wipe the camera and exit window periodically with a lens tissue or other material suitable for cleaning optical material such as eyeglasses.

Tracking Assistant Connector Cleaning

To clean the connectors:

  1. Remove the main battery from mobile computer.
  2. Dip the cotton portion of the cotton-tipped applicator in isopropyl alcohol.
  3. Rub the cotton portion of the cotton-tipped applicator back-and-forth across the connector. Do not leave any cotton residue on the connector.
  4. Repeat at least three times.
  5. Use the cotton-tipped applicator dipped in alcohol to remove any grease and dirt near the connector area.
  6. Use a dry cotton-tipped applicator and repeat steps 4 through 6.
    CAUTION: Do not point nozzle at yourself and others, ensure the nozzle or tube is away from your face.
  7. Spray compressed air on the connector area by pointing the tube/nozzle about 1⁄2 inch away from the surface.
  8. Inspect the area for any grease or dirt, repeat if required.

Cleaning Tracking Assistant Cradle Connectors

To clean the connectors on a cradle:

  1. Remove the DC power cable from the cradle.
  2. Dip the cotton portion of the cotton-tipped applicator in isopropyl alcohol.
  3. Rub the cotton portion of the cotton-tipped applicator along the pins of the connector. Slowly move the applicator back-and-forth from one side of the connector to the other. Do not leave any cotton residue on the connector.
  4. All sides of the connector should also be rubbed with the cotton-tipped applicator.
    CAUTION: Do not point nozzle at yourself and others, ensure the nozzle or tube is pointed away from your face.
  5. Spray compressed air in the connector area by pointing the tube/nozzle about 1⁄2 inch away from the surface.
  6. Remove any lint left by the cotton-tipped applicator.
  7. If grease and other dirt can be found on other areas of the cradle, use a lint-free cloth and alcohol to remove.
  8. Allow at least 10 to 30 minutes (depending on ambient temperature and humidity) for the alcohol to air dry before applying power to cradle. If the temperature is low and humidity is high, longer drying time is required. Warm temperature and dry humidity requires less drying time.

UPDATED: November 21, 2024