With lockdown 2.0 just about to come into effect, CIBSE announces the release of their latest standpoint on ventilation.
The news about lockdown has not delighted anyone, but we all need to start taking responsibility. The Covid-19 virus (along with other viruses) spreads through aerosols, which the building’s HVAC system picks up and passes to other people in the building who are not wearing masks ab.
Yet we continue to follow the governments limited advice for stopping the spread. Hands, face, space. This is the same advice authorities gave us 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, “When you use natural ventilation, open the dampers and/or windows, while 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 installers can add UV-C to 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, technicians install UVC germicidal emitters 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
Manufacturers design UV air purifiers to use UV-C light to inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms such as mould, bacteria and viruses. Manufacturers currently sell UV-C purifiers as stand-alone, freestanding devices or install them into pre-existing residential or commercial HVAC units. As the system forces air through the device, the air passes UV lamps. This attempts to disinfect it directly through germicidal irradiation.
If you have a project you’d like to discuss, please contact us.