SECTION 4 - CLEANING
A. Dust. Light dusting of the lens is acceptable. Feather dusters work well. Use
tools with wood or plastic handles, never metal, to avoid chipping the glass.
B. Glass Prisms. To clean the glass, use a mixture of Isopropyl alcohol, water
and Woolite (three parts distilled water, one part alcohol, and two drops of
Woolite (per quart of solution)) and a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel. Do not
spray the cleaning solution directly on the lens. Wet the cloth, carefully
remove all dirt and grime, and then polish with a clean lint-free cloth.
Only use enough pressure to clean the glass as excess pressure may loosen
lens prisms. It is suggested that when the inside of the bull's-eyes or any
nested annular prisms not supported by the brass frame are cleaned, an
assistant stand outside the lens and exert light pressure to the panel/ring to
prevent it from being pushed out, falling to the floor and breaking. Any lens
elements that are loose shall not be cleaned until they are resecured.
Use caution when cleaning prisms so as not to disturb the litharge.
C. Brass. In the days of lighthouse keepers, brass was kept highly polished to
satisfy the inspector. It is safe to say that most bright work at lighthouses has
not been polished in many years. For this reason and others, it is requested
that Units refrain from polishing the brass frames. The oxidation actually
forms a protective barrier to the brass and attempts to remove it result in loss
of material and possible damage to the prisms. Portions of the lens that are
steel or cast iron and are painted should be maintained to ensure protection
from corrosion. Be aware that paint applied before 1978 may contain lead
and if flaking and removal is required, proper safety precautions and
regulations should be followed.
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