How to clean and disinfect your industrial HMI or Panel PC screen

04/30/2020
by Qualitrol Support Team

As you get ready to bring production lines up and have more workers on-site using HMI and Panel PCs in the production area, the question will come on How to best Clean and Disinfect Industrial HMI screens and Panel PCs to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The cleaners that you typically use in an industrial setting to remove oil, dust, and other contaminants from a surface will not neutralize germs, like the COVID-19 germs.  Since many operators may be using a single HMI during a shift or from shift to shift, we recommend wiping down HMI and Panel PC monitors each shift.  Below is our recommended procedure for disinfecting HMI and Panel PC Displays.

Preparation of the HMI unit:

  1. Make sure the HMI unit is not running and is unplugged from its power source.
  2. We recommend using an industrial grade paper towel, that is stable when wet and does not leave lint.  Paper towels also should be discarded after a single use on each HMI unit.
  3. Use Isopropyl Alcohol 70% for disinfection. To avoid discoloration, avoid highly concentrated alcohol (greater than 70% concentration), non-diluted bleach or ammonia solutions.
  4. Put the disinfection solution in a spray bottle that can apply a mist of the solution in a fine layer.
  5. Wear one-way silicone gloves and face mask when disinfecting the devices to avoid any cross contamination.
  6. Always wash your hands with water and soap before putting on gloves and immediately after taking off the gloves.

Cleaning and disinfecting of the HMI unit:

  1. Mist the front of the unit from all angles and wipe the alcohol solution off with the paper towel, especially in the edges and corners.  Be sure to mist and clean touch buttons or push buttons on the front of the unit as well since these are surfaces operators will contact.
  2. Do not get liquids inside the unit or spray the HMI unit directly.
  3. Discard the paper towel and do not re-use it on other devices to avoid cross contamination.
  4. Let the HMI unit stand for half an hour to let the alcohol residue evaporate before re-applying power and using the HMI unit again.
  5. Discard the face mask, towels used and gloves appropriately as medical waste.

These recommendations are designed to help keep you and your operators safe during these times.  Please contact if you have other questions we can answer regarding cleaning and sanitization of your HMI displays.