With lockdown 2.0 just about to come into effect, CIBSE just prior to the announcement released their latest standpoint on ventilation.
The news about lockdown has not been greeted with any joy, but we all need to start taking responsibility. The Covid-19 virus (along with other viruses) is getting spread via aerosols, which gets picked up by the buildings HVAC systema and gets passed to other people in the building that are not wearing a mask.
Yet we continue to follow the governments limited advice for stopping the spread. Hands, face, space. This is the same advice we were given back in March, and yet we are in another lockdown.
Technology is around to kill these viruses and improve the quality of air, improving our health and wellbeing.
In the latest CIBSE release on ventilation guidance, there is a significant section on UV-C. The latest guidance states, “where natural ventilation is used, the dampers and/or windows should be opened, however being mindful of comfort factors”.
The new guidance dedicates a full section to UV-C disinfection. It states that UV-C operates in wavelengths of 254nm and has the ability to inactivate SARS-CoV2 and other pathogenic coronaviruses. This is due to disrupting the nucleic acids which form the viruses genome.
A lot of early studies have proven that UV-C deactivates SARS-CoV2 when aerosolised. The guidance document continues to explain the different ways that UV-C can be installed into buildings to help eradicate viruses.
- Upper Room UltraViolet Germicidal Irradiation
- In-Duct UltraViolet Germicidal Irradiation
- UV-C Room Air Cleaners
- Unique disinfection system that is 80% effective at reducing transmission.
Upper Room UltraViolet Disinfection
This form of UV-C can achieve full indoor air disinfection while people are present, this is especially relevant in offices, schools etc.
In-Duct and HVAC
For the most effective microbial control, UVC germicidal emitters are installed on the supply side of the HVAC system, downstream from the cooling coil and above the drain pan. This location provides more effective biofilm and microbial control, while still providing the highest dosages of UVC to the airstream.
UV-C Room Air Cleaners/Purifiers
UV air purifiers are designed to use UV-C light to inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms like mould, bacteria and viruses. On the market, UV-C air purifiers are currently sold as stand-alone, freestanding devices or as systems installed into pre-existing residential or commercial HVAC units. As air is forced through the device, it passes UV lamps, which directly attempt to disinfect the air by means of germicidal irradiation.
If you have a project you’d like to discuss, please contact us.