Hygienic light – How installers can help shape a healthy post-Covid workplace
Posted by: electime 11th December 2020
by Simon Greenwood, sales director trade & specification, Signify
With the news that a number of firms have successfully developed vaccines, the world can begin to breathe a sigh of relief. After what has been a strange year, people are starting to look forward to getting back to some semblance of normality. But despite this desire, there will be a new reality. Covid-19 has pushed hygiene to the forefront of the agenda. Going forward, as businesses begin to welcome back employees, they will have to instil and maintain new levels of hygiene. This is where lighting technology and installers can play a huge part in keeping businesses safe and healthy.
Understanding and blocking transmission
Viruses spread primarily through three vectors:
- Direct air-borne transmission between people – such as a cough or sneeze
- Indirect air-borne transmission through air flows – such as circulated air in a building
- Indirect surface-borne transmission via contaminated surfaces
The most likely way of becoming infected is via air-borne pathogens, and the chances of infection increase dramatically indoors[1]. Studies have shown that COVID-19 transmission can be particularly effective in crowded, confined indoor spaces. This makes the need for businesses to ensure the air within their premises is as clean as possible even more important. Enter UV-C.
What is UV-C?
UV-C radiation is a known disinfectant for air, surfaces, objects and water that can help mitigate the risk of acquiring an infection and has been used extensively for decades to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Recent tests conducted by Signify and Boston University have shown that in laboratory testing, Signify’s UV-C light sources reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity on a surface to below detectable levels in as few as 9 seconds. Being able to provide an option for businesses that gives them an extra layer of protection could prove key in helping to keep businesses and their employees safe and healthy.
What types of UV-C solutions are available?
UV-C equipment has been around for a long time. It has been used from areas as varied as agriculture to law enforcement. More businesses are now looking to UV-C to help them keep their employees safe.
UV-C lighting solutions can come in a number of different forms and can easily be integrated into a business’ existing lighting or air-conditioning system. One such option that is seeing growing demand is an upper air lamp which disinfects the air in a room. When installed, it radiates UV-C light to help prevent people breathing in air-borne pathogens. As we know, people should not be directly exposed to UV-C light. However, because the lamp is specifically designed so that UV-C is radiated at the level of the device or above it, it means the room can safely be occupied while the lamp is working. This makes it a great option for rooms from offices to hospitality spaces. Upper air lamps have recently been installed at Philips Stadium, home of PSV Eindhoven, making them the first major club in world football to have UV-C lighting installed at their stadium and training ground.
2020 has been a challenging year for many businesses. They are looking at ways to get back to normal, however they cannot do it alone. A helping hand is required. A professional one. Despite the ability to use them in an occupied space, upper air lamps are a powerful tool that require installation from a professional. As demand grows for UV-C lighting, installers will need to be familiar with the range of UV-C lamps available to offer the most practical solutions. As businesses begin to look forward from what has been a challenging year, installers offering UV-C options will be perfectly positioned to help shape safe and healthy post-Covid workplaces.
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020317876
