MST Installation Instructions
Installation Instructions [email protected] +1(909) 591-8431 www.alvaradomfg.com
Page 29
Cleaning and Maintenance
The frequency of interior maintenance will depend on how often the turnstile is used, the type of personnel using the
turnstile and the environment. Installed turnstiles should be inspected once during the first 30 days after installation.
Thereafter, follow the maintenance schedule on the following pages. This schedule is based on what we would call
a typical installation – which is a temperate climate where weekly use is up to 7500 activations. If use exceeds this
threshold, personnel are abusive to the turnstile or the turnstiles are installed in harsh outdoor environments (such
as coastal areas, chemical or refinery plants, very hot or cold locations, or extremely dusty environments), consider
increasing the frequency of maintenance to a level suitable for your application.
Galvanized Finishes
A hot dipped galvanized finish is an industrial coating designed to provide corrosion protection. Aesthetic
considerations are secondary. Finish irregularities are a natural result of the hot dipped galvanizing process. The
appearance of a hot dipped galvanized coating can vary depending on the size and shape of the coated object, as
well as from piece to piece or section to section within the same piece. Various appearances for hot dipped galvanized
steel (all acceptable under appropriate ASTM standards) include bright and shiny, spangled or mottled, matte gray,
or a combination of various conditions. In most instances the appearance of hot dipped galvanized material has no
effect on the primary purpose of the finish (corrosion protection) and over time and exposure to the environment, all
galvanized finishes will take on a uniform matte gray appearance.
Periodic cleaning of galvanized finishes is recommended. To clean galvanized finishes use a neutral (non-alkaline)
detergent, such as a car shampoo, clean warm water and soft brush. Abrasive cleaners, steel wool and chemical
cleaning products should not be used. Rinse the surface after cleaning.
Damaged galvanized areas can be treated or touched up with zinc-rich paint. Use an organic cold galvanizing
compound following the manufacturer’s instructions. An explanatory document describing the ASTM recommended
repair process is available from the American Galvanizer Association website.
Stainless Steel Finishes
Stainless steel is a corrosion resistant chromium/nickel alloy steel that is strong and durable. However, it is not
rustproof, particularly in harsh environments. In addition to actual damage, stainless steel can appear to rust when
contaminated through contact with carbon steel. This contact can come from tools, adjacent mild steel, fasteners,
particulate or through contact with hard water (which can leave spotting and staining on stainless steel). The most
common method of contamination in windy, dusty and/or industrial environments is from steel and mineral particles
that “land” on the stainless material. Mild steel naturally adheres to a stainless steel surface (due to iron-to-iron
affinity). Grained material and weld areas are common areas where foreign particles are trapped. In all these cases, it
is generally the steel residue, not the stainless material itself, which rusts initially. Left untreated, however, damage to
the stainless surface itself can occur.
Regular cleaning is the best way to maintain any stainless steel finish. The goal of a cleaning program should be to
clean the surface, keeping the stainless steel's protective chromium oxide layer intact. The frequency of cleaning will
depend on the environment.
Regular cleaning can be accomplished by rinsing the stainless steel surface with fresh water to wash away
accumulated chemicals, materials and particulates. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Especially try to clean equipment
immediately after contact with chlorides (chlorine powder, salt melt, seawater, etc.).
For embedded deposits a neutral detergent, such as a car shampoo, clean warm water and a soft brush can be used.
Rinse the surface after cleaning. Never use steel wool. MAAS also makes an excellent stainless steel cleaner in a
spray form, MAAS Stainless Steel & Chrome Cleaner, available from the MAAS website (www.maasinc.com). All the
products listed below can also be used for general cleaning.
