FOCUS: MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE
Air sanitisation units reduce waiting room germs
A trial of Airdri’s SteraSpace air and surface sanitisation systems at a health test centre run by Liverpool- based DAM Healthcare, has shown an higher than 89% reduction in bacteria levels after 14 days of continuous usage
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he company, which provides a range of healthcare options, including gut health, menopause and fertility testing, carried out an independent trial at one of its COVID-19 test centres, where
the units were positioned in the practice waiting room. Keeping test centres clean was at the top of the agenda during the recent coronavirus pandemic and plays an ongoing role post pandemic in ensuring both the support of staff and patient safety. Bryan Adekoya, head of procurement for the Dam Group, explains more about what they were looking for to increase safety: “As a Covid-19 testing centre, we were at very high risk of daily exposure from working with the virus and wanted to reduce the risk of transmission. We needed to ensure the safety of our staff and patients during the pandemic. “Due to the nature of the business, we ran a high risk of having a Covid-19 outbreak, so we implemented extra cleaning and introduced regulations for all who entered the premises, such as wearing a face mask and sanitising hands. “After extra cleaning was implemented, we looked into HEPA filters and decided to fit a HEPA filtration ventilation in all lab rooms. We then came across Airdri’s range of air sanitisers and decided to run a live trial in our Rodney Street practice in Liverpool.
“The SteraSpace is very practical and easy to use. We have had no trouble with the units, they’re non-intrusive, and once you fit them onto the wall, you forget they are even there.” Testing and results The units were installed in the practice waiting
room, and a live trial was conducted. ALS Laboratories, a respected analytical testing laboratory based in Rotherham, carried out the independent testing. Air plate samples were taken as a baseline before the unit was installed, and then subsequent test samples were taken from the same positions 14 days after the units had been installed. The sanitiser unit was running continuously
throughout this time to assess the potential impact on the microbial content of the air. This assessment was based on reducing colony- forming units settling plates, which were set out for 120 minutes at key testing points.
How it works
The sanitisation technology works to continually remove airborne and surface pathogens by sanitising surrounding air and exposed surfaces, therefore significantly reducing the opportunity for transmission of viruses, including seasonal colds and flu as well as other illnesses. The units combine Photo Catalytic Disinfection (PCD), Germicidal Irradiation and Dual Waveband UV technology to create the most advanced virus and bacteria control technology of its kind. This offers a unique and highly effective way to eliminate bacteria, mould, yeasts, viruses, dust mites, allergens, and
The Airdri Group was founded in Oxfordshire (UK) in 1974 by business partners Peter Philipps and Peter Allen, both experienced and entrepreneurial engineers. At a time of significant advancement in the hand drying industry they identified that there was a gap in the market for highly reliable, energy efficient and beautifully designed hand dryers to suit every washroom, and this initial spark of imagination is realised in the brand’s growing hand dryer range.
Since the 1980s, under the brand Formula Systems, they have been involved in the elevator technology industry with the creation of their patented elevator door systems and speech units. Peter Philipps’ sons, Toby, and Bruce, now lead the company as chairman and president respectively and their fathers’ vision continues to grow through the expertise of the creative team they have and continue to nurture
harmful VOCs to result in clean, healthy air and surfaces in the workplace. By combining these three advanced technologies, a continuous flow of disinfecting plasma is released into the air, eliminating 98.11% of airborne and 99.6% of surface micro- organisms. It works in under 60 minutes.
The range
After the initial installation cost, the units cost in the region of £2 per month to run, with an annual outlay of around £50 for a new bulb. Airdri believes that the solution could change the face of infection control in the workplace. And it is not just suitable for healthcare settings, but for any environment where people meet and share space. From offices and workplace settings to student living, cafes, bars, schools, hotels, even sports stadiums and sports facilities, the solution is effective at reducing bacteria in the air and on surfaces.
Chief operating officer Steve Whittall said: “Enveloped viruses can survive longer under winter conditions as the low temperatures help to protect the structural integrity of the envelope, guarding the virus. “A solution against this would be the installation of the air sanitisation units which effectively and continuously eliminate harmful pathogens, even in spaces with poor ventilation and under constant use. When used in a healthcare environment and independently tested, the units were found to reduce bacteria by almost 90%.”
16 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2023 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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