Feature
FSM
Whilst manual deep cleaning is an important part of containing the spread of virus, it is simply not enough on its own. This is because it has become increasingly apparent that manual cleaning alone is not capable of reducing contamination to a safe level due to unavoidable human error. To combat human error, more robust measures need to be in place to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
Unlike manual cleaning and hygiene measures, decontamination systems use hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) or ultraviolet-C (UV-C) technology which can decontaminate an entire space from pathogenic micro-organisms within a matter of minutes or hours. HPV and UV-C, although used in slightly different settings, have both been demonstrated to be highly effective at decontaminating COVID-19 and other harmful pathogens within a short space of time.
How different decontamination technology works
HPV technology works by filling an area with hydrogen peroxide in the form of vapor where UV-C works by shining light directly onto a specific area. Although in slightly different mechanisms, they both work by interacting with the internal genetic material of micro-organisms by breaking down DNA/ RNA strands which will in turn lead to cell lysis and cell death. This method can effectively reduce harmful pathogens by up to 99.9999% (>log 6).²
UV-C has a faster decontamination time compared to HPV, which makes it particularly useful for spaces which need to be decontaminated more regularly than others, such as changing rooms, bars, and communal toilets.
HPV technology, on the other hand, has a longer decontamination cycle but is able to reduce contamination level from hard-to-reach areas such as folds and corners of material, as well as the room itself. This could be implemented at the end of each day in small spaces such as changing rooms, to fully decontaminate every single surface and hard to reach spaces which may harbour virus particles. Both technologies can be operated remotely, giving maximum safety to the end user.
Ultra-V Connect technology – which emits UV-C – also uses a remote-controlled device which eliminates micro-organisms in as little as eight minutes. The technology is designed to be fixed to the ceilings of rooms for convenient regular decontamination. Therefore, Ultra-V Connect could be particularly useful for the indoor spaces in sports venues and stadiums.
The importance of assessing the venue
To ensure the safety and smooth running of a stadium or sports venue, facility managers should perform a full risk assessment to understand, and subsequently mitigate, all COVID-19 associated risks. For example, stadium facility managers should try to identify the main areas which could pose a risk to those using the space. Communal areas, such as changing rooms, bars, doorways, and toilets, all offer opportunities for the virus to spread. It is therefore essential that facility managers help to coordinate ways to reduce this risk.
Installing multiple hand sanitiser stations, regularly decontaminating rooms, the use of face masks where social distancing is not possible, although this is likely to be a statutory requirement whilst seated within stadia, and understanding the movement of people within a building can help keep people safe and protected by minimising the environmental contamination level. Understanding the movement of people in a venue is beneficial for infection control because stadium facility managers can keep track of the most occupied areas in a building, and the times when spaces are vacant. This will inform them as to how often a space needs decontaminating, and when it should take place to minimise disruption as much as possible.
Looking to the future
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the limits of stadiums and sports clubs across the UK – from small local teams to national sports teams. Ultimately, by implementing regular decontamination, hand hygiene policies, and maintaining social distancing, stadium facility managers can help keep themselves, sportspeople, and spectators safe. By strictly adhering to these recommendations, they will be able to reduce the risk of infection and build a safer environment.
¹ WHO Coronavirus Disease Situation Report.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200306-sitrep-46-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=96b04adf_4 ² Invios
https://www.hygiene-solutions.co.uk/proxcide-hospital-decontamination
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