UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) is a disinfection technology that makes use of ultraviolet C. Disinfection of surfaces and sanitization of drinking water have both benefited from this form of disinfection. UVC sterilizers that make use of UVGI have been used in the healthcare industry as well as in scientific research. Numerous studies have proved the effectiveness of UVGI against a wide spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Ultraviolet disinfection has a quick turn-around time (less than 30 minutes) and does not leave any chemical residues after treatment. However, when it is implemented, whether as a permanent installation or as a portable system, the following considerations must be taken into account: a) In order for treatment to be successful, there must be a direct line of sight between the UVC source and the surface to be disinfected. It is possible that high-touch locations that are concealed may be overlooked. It will not be possible to disinfect surfaces such as door handles, handle bars, or toilet flushes that are not immediately in the line of sight of the disinfection machine. b) The efficiency of UVGI in inactivating bacteria is dependent on many factors, including the period of exposure, the intensity of the UV radiation, the distance between the surface and the source, and the wavelength of the UV radiation. As a result, there is a need for meticulous calibration and monitoring. In the continuation of this article, we are going to deal in detail with UV light room sanitizers. Follow us.
UVC Devices in Commercial and Industrial Settings: Safety Guidelines for UV Light Room Sanitizers
There has been a rise in the demand for and inquiries into ultraviolet C disinfection equipment, as well as an increase in the availability of such devices on the market. Furthermore, it is critical that the general public be informed that UVC radiation may cause eye harm (such as irritation and inflammation of the cornea) as well as skin injury and that these devices should be handled cautiously (for example, erythema). In addition, some of these UVC devices may also release ozone, which may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs when inhaled or breathed in. The use of UVC devices that release ozone should be avoided by individuals who have respiratory sensitivities such as asthma or allergies. It is also recommended that you check with the manufacturer to ensure that the device does not emit ozone. All UVC devices must be kept out of the reach of children at all times. It is recommended that UVC equipment be used exclusively by skilled people in order to prevent unintentional exposure to the workers and others on the premises. When utilizing UVC disinfection equipment, it is important to observe the safety precautions outlined in the following section.
Related Article: Does UV light kill viruses and germs?
Training
1. Personal training should consist of the following components:
a) Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
b) The effects of UVC radiation on the eye and skin are only a few examples, as are the necessity for management of the risks involved, as well as the dangers connected with unintentional UVC exposure in work environments.
c) Safe handling of the UVC device – For example, safety precautions, maximum permissible exposure limits (if the device manual does not contain this information, it should be obtained from the manufacturer), and location of an emergency stop button to turn off the device or stop the UVC radiation are all important considerations to consider.
d) Immediate post-exposure first aid measures
Access restrictions
1. When operating with a UVC as a UV light room sanitizer, it is important to ensure that no one is in direct line of sight of the device while it is in operation to avoid the danger of exposure to the UVC radiation. Here are a few instances to illustrate:
a) If a UVC disinfection robot is to be utilized in an enclosed location, make sure that the space is completely empty before starting the UVC robot’s operation.
b) If a UVC disinfection robot is to be used in an open space, access to the area should be restricted, and the UVC robot should be placed at a safe distance from people to avoid injury. It is the distance from a source within which the irradiance for a given exposure duration does not exceed the exposure limits stated in the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines on the limits of exposure to ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 180 nm and 400 nm, which are published every five years (incoherent optical radiation). For individual UVC devices, please consult the manufacturer to determine the safe distance to be kept between them.
c) It is necessary to properly set the light fittings in upper room UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) lamps in order to minimize the exposure of inhabitants in the room to UVC. Excessive exposure to UV incident radiation on exposed skin or eyes during an 8-hour period is subject to the restrictions for such exposure. It is recommended that you restrict your exposure to 30 J/m2 of effective radiation exposure. In accordance with the ICNIRP guidelines on limits of exposure to UV radiation of wavelengths between 180 nm and 400 nm (incoherent optical radiation) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62471:2006 Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems, this limit has been established for lamps and lamp systems.
2. When transportable UVC disinfection equipment is not in use, it should be stowed or maintained in a secure location so that unauthorized access cannot occur.
Related Article: Why We Need UV-C Disinfection
Hazard Alerts
- In order to alert the public to the existence of a UVC threat, all UV light room sanitizer machines should be labeled with cautionary language. The following information should be included on warning labels:
- An ultraviolet C (UVC) warning sign (below is an example of a symbol in accordance with the IEC 61549-310-1)
- It serves as a warning that the eyes and skin must be protected.
The replacement of warning labels that have become damaged or illegible should be done quickly. The use of warning labels to indicate that the device has been turned on is recommended. Warning signs should be posted near upper room UVGI lights, as well as on AHU access panels where the internal UVGI bulbs are mounted, in order to prevent accidents. Activation switches should be properly labeled and safeguarded with switch guards to prevent unauthorized individuals from accidentally activating them by mistake.
Personal Protective Equipment
Anyone working on a UV light room sanitizer device should always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while operating or maintaining the device. The following are some examples of personal protective equipment:
- Goggles, face shields, and safety glasses that are UV-resistant are recommended.
- Protective clothing/outfits that protect the exposed flesh
Things to Keep in Mind When using a UV light room sanitizer for Your Child
Look through all the claims about UV sterilizer efficacy
Take the time to investigate the many types of UV sterilizers available. In particular, it’s crucial to double-check product claims, particularly those that guarantee 99 percent or more eradication of viruses and germs, and to ensure that they’re backed up by appropriate evidence.
Take into account the sterilization time and cycles.
There are a variety of sterilizing devices available, each of which operates in a somewhat different manner from one another. The disinfection of certain UV-C sterilizers requires many cycles, whilst other sterilizers only give a time range, which provides an opportunity for human mistake.
Check for UV-safety features for children
For every parent, the first concern on their mind is whether or not UV light room sanitizer are safe to use around their children. The simple answer is yes-as long as they are UL Safety certified, contain top kid safety features, and comply with all applicable regulations and guidelines (all incredibly important criteria).
Keep in mind that the quantity and kind of UV LED lights are important.
Even though there is no magic number to aim for, a sterilizer must have enough LED lights for its size in order to perform well. The larger the size of the sterilizer, the greater the number of UV lamps necessary for successful sterilization. Apart from that, the majority of companies use either LED beads or mercury-halide lamps.
Related Article: Does UV Light Kill Coronavirus?
- Purchase from a brand that you are familiar with and trust.
When it comes to sterilizing goods that newborns and toddlers come into contact with on a daily basis, it’s important to choose a brand you can put your faith in.
References
- Branche, C.M. (2009) Environmental control for tuberculosis: Basic upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation guidelines for healthcare settings. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutie for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH Publication No. 2009-105.
- Lindsley, W.G. et al (2018) Ambulance disinfection using Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI): Effects of fixture location and surface reactivity. J. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 15, 1-12
- World Health Organisation (WHO), Novel Coronavirus 2019: Advice for the public-Mythbusters, 27 April 2020