Hand Wipe Cleaning has been used under the Navy’s P2 Afloat Program to replace the use of aerosol cans and rags. This system consists of a gallon size bucket with a perforated top through which pre-moistened wipes are removed. The user adds the wipes and cleaning solutions to the gallon size bucket. The wipes are roughly 12 inches by 12 inches, one-ply paper towelettes and are available in two varieties for solvents of regular strength and solvents with strong solvating action.

Hand wipe cleaning can reduce the use of aerosol cans and ozone depleting compounds. The Hand Wipe Cleaning System is designed so the cleaning solution of choice can be added to the container of wipes. This allows the user to select the solvent that is most appropriate for the task. In addition, this system allows the user to select more environmentally friendly cleaning solutions such as aqueous cleaning solutions or low vapor pressure cleaning solutions. As each hand wipe is pulled from the container, it is compressed through the opening to remove excess solution from the wipe. This packaged hand wipe system can replace the use of rags and reduce waste disposal since the wipes have less mass than rags.

The use of a hand wipe cleaning system will decrease the amount of hazardous waste generated (i.e. the system eliminates the need for aerosol cans and hand wipes have less mass than rags). Waste reduction is required under RCRA, 40 CFR 262, Appendix. In addition, the reduction of hazardous waste may also help facilities reduce their generator status and lessen their regulatory burden (e.g. recordkeeping, reporting, inspections, transportation, accumulation time, emergency prevention and preparedness, emergency response) under RCRA, 40 CFR 262. Moreover, eliminating aerosol cans may decrease the amount of ODSs and help the facility meet the requirements under 40 CFR 82, Subpart D and Executive Order 12843 requiring federal agencies to maximize the use of safe alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone depleting substances, to the maximum extent practicable.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.

Aqueous cleaning solutions may be acidic or alkaline. Organic solvents are flammable. Cleaning solutions or solvents may have an irritating effect on skin or mucus membranes. Some components of cleaning solutions or solvents may have toxic components. Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology.

• Reduces disposal of aerosol cans and rags
• Reduces solvent waste
• Allows for the purchase of bulk quantities of solvents
• Lowers capital costs

• A complete roll, consisting of 60 wipes, must be prepared for use with this system
• Wipes are disposed, not recycled

The following cost elements compare hand wipe cleaning using the Wet Task Wiping System from the Kimberly-Clark Corporation with hand wipe cleaning using aerosol sprays and rags.

Assumptions:

• 120 gallons of cleaning solution used annually
• Bulk cleaning solution costs: $4,320
• 1,024 spray cans provide 120 gallons solution at a cost of $11,520
• Regular solvent strength wipes cost: $37/6-rolls (60 wipes/roll)
• Using sixteen wipe-dispensing buckets at a cost of $120
• 200 roles of wipes, each using 0.6 gallons of cleaning solution, required
• One rag is equivalent to two wipes
• 750 pounds of rags are required at an average of 8 rags/lb
• Cost: $750
• Labor needs identical for both methods
• Empty solvent containers and aerosol cans weigh 0.5 lbs/ea
• Solid waste disposal of containers, rags, and wipes costs: $0.015/lb
• Case of 6-rolls of wipes - weight 10 lbs

Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Wet Task Wiping System and Aerosol Sprays with Rags Wipe Cleaning

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Approval is controlled locally and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted. Major claimant approval is not required.