How to Maintain Better Radio Accessory Hygiene in A COVID World

With the second wave of COVID-19 upon us, everyone is keen to learn how to maintain a more hygienic environment and two-way radio accessories are no different.

Sharing is Not Caring in the time of COVID

It’s recommended that users should NOT be sharing/wearing the same radio accessories.

Oftentimes, radio users are expected to share accessories because there are limited replacement parts in stock and/or employers are managing a strict budget. However, there are numerous affordable replacement part options and budget-friendly accessories when a complete replacement is required.

If accessory users aren’t regularly cleaning their radio and accessories after every use (unfortunately it happens), then users can and should expect new replacement parts before they share/wear the same radio or accessory. It’s actually pretty gross to wear the same earpiece!

Here we outline common radio accessories that should be regularly replaced and how often:

What Two-Way Radio Accessories Should Be Regularly Replaced?

Parts that need to regularly be replaced:

• Earbuds
• Clear and black acoustic tubes
• Earpiece foam
• Acoustic tube ear tips
• Molded ear pads for headsets
• Headset foam, ear gels, and inserts
• Microphone foam covers
• Noise Attenuation Ear Plugs for Acoustic Tubes
• Head straps

How Often Should I Replace Radio Accessory Parts?

While there is no hard and fast rule, here are some factors to consider:

• Company Policy – What does your company’s health and safety policy state about parts replacement? Does your policy specify? If it doesn’t, it probably should!
• Work Environment – What is the work environment? Is it humid or dry?
  • Humid environments reduce the life of an accessory due to condensation and moisture build-up – a common problem in manufacturing environments.
  • Dry environments could cause accessories to dry out, get hard (e.g. acoustic tubes can get hard causing ear fatigue and is uncomfortable), or crack.
• Duration – How long is an accessory worn at one time?
  • Some users sweat more than others and will need to replace parts more frequently.
• Sharing – Do users work shift work or need to shared accessories?
  • If users are sharing, then it’s recommended that users replace parts every time.
• Damage – Recognize the signs of wear to determine it’s time for a replacement.
  • When ear accessories are hard, cracked, or visibly damaged, it’s time to replace them.
  • When foam covers are no longer intact, look dirty, are stretched, and easily fall off the accessory, it’s time to replace.
  • When acoustic tubes are dirty (both inside and out), it’s time to clean the acoustic tube or replace it altogether. Clear acoustic tubes make it much easier to see visibly see cleanliness.

Replacement Parts

Investing in replacement parts is far more cost-effective than replacing the accessory altogether so it’s important to consider the following:

• How much replacement part stock should I keep? We recommend that you keep a minimum three-month supply of replacement parts to ensure you don’t run out and can accommodate any ‘surprise situations’ that may require an accessory be replaced more frequently.
• Where should I store my replacement parts? We recommend parts should be stored in a climate-controlled environment (not too hot or cold) and are not stored in direct sunlight.
• What is the best type of replacement part for my accessory? This is a very good question! Here are some factors to consider:
  • Number of Wires – Firstly, you need to determine if you need 1, 2, or 3-wire accessories. To help you decide, read Radio Earpieces and Surveillance Kits – Which is right for you?
  • Application – demanding users like law enforcement often need professional-grade earpieces that are heavy-duty (see our Platinum Series Earpieces); however, retailers that often have high staff turnover often look for budget-friendly options (see our Silver Series Earpieces).
  • Comfort – Earpiece styles are dictated by user preference. One earpiece style may be comfortable for one user but not work for another so interchangeable earpiece options provide comfortable, cost-effective options (see our Snaptight Gold Series with 12 different and fully interchangeable earpiece options).

Cleaning Tips

Provide peace of mind to your radio users by enabling them to regularly clean and/or replace body-touching parts. To help prolong the hygiene of your accessories, read how to clean your radio accessories and acoustic tubes.

Contact us today to learn more about how Impact’s two-way radio accessories can help you maintain a more hygienic environment.

Impact Radio Accessories is your #1 source for two-way radio accessories. We are a world leader in the design and manufacture of communication products including surveillance kits, speaker mics, radio battery chargers, headsets, and adapters. Impact’s accessories are trusted by demanding industries and applications such as public safety, security, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and beyond. OEM quality radio accessories at aftermarket prices.

Category: Earpieces, Education Industry, Headsets, LEARNING CENTRE, Surveillance Kits, Warranty/Returns

Tags: Cleaning Tips, COVID-19, Hygiene