Many of you have asked us about the best way to disinfect your equipment and work safely in light of the current health situation we're all navigating.
   

This situation also offers you an unplanned proving ground - a silver lining to this, if you will. If you're working right now, our wireless technology will allow you to maintain more distance from your subjects and a wider circle of personal space than you may normally need, and you will still get great sound.

Our Five Recommendations

In general, alcohol is our friend. Bleach or Lysol solutions are not recommended, as they can be corrosive. The solution we've made in our shop consists of 16oz. of 91% isopropyl alcohol plus 4oz. of water (which makes a 70% alcohol solution), mixed in a 32oz. spray bottle. Look for a spray bottle with a fine mist that will disperse the solution without soaking what you are spraying. You can also use 70% alcohol packaged wipes, as they are lint-free and save you from the worry of accidentally spraying or dripping solution into the equipment. Depending on the surface to be cleaned, it can be lightly sprayed, wiped or dabbed with Q-tips. Our general guidelines:

• Remove any batteries and disconnect power cords prior to cleaning.
• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning equipment, and discard the gloves after use. Do not reuse the gloves, as the virus can survive for a time on many surfaces.
• Likewise, use disposable lint-free cloths/wipes/Q-tips and do not be tempted to reuse them.
• Clean in an open area with good ventilation, alone or around minimal people, observing the 6' social distancing protocols.
• Once equipment is disinfected and is dry, you can keep it in Ziploc bags to ensure that it remains disinfected until you are ready to use it. Ensure that the unit is fully dry, then put it into the bag and squeeze out all of the air before closing.

Cleaning for specific equipment

Lav mics: Wipe down the cord and head with the solution and a clean cloth. If the lav has a foam head (headbasket), remove it, lightly spray it with the solution and let it dry. You can then clean the head with a Q-tip.

"Invisible" face-contacting mics: As these contact the skin and body and are in the breathing trajectory, wipe the surfaces with the solution and a clean cloth.

Cords/antennas/power supplies: Wipe down with the solution and a clean cloth.

Transmitters and receivers: Wipe down with the solution and a clean cloth. You may also carefully clean the terminals and switch areas with a Q-tip, lightly moistened with the solution. Take care not to drip liquid into any of the openings.

Carry bags: As these are a fabric-like woven material, lightly spray with the solution and allow to dry thoroughly. Do not shake bags, as this can cause any viral particles to disperse into the air.

This is good information to have handy, even after this situation resolves. Many of you in broadcast work in environments such as medical news, crime scene, war zone or documentary, where maintaining cleanliness and safety are challenging.

Stay safe out there!