In less than six months, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has completely changed how we work, educate, and go about our daily lives. As state and local governments continue to update their recommendations and mandates, many business owners look for ways to return to “normal.”
The use of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology is one component of a broader workplace safety strategy that can help companies provide a safe environment for their employees and customers. However, business owners and facility managers may not be aware of the benefits of integrating this technology in their buildings and work spaces. An electrical contractor with knowledge and expertise in this area can help customers adopt the right applications for their individual spaces.
This article explores the world of UV technology, including what it is, how the current health crisis has impacted application adoption, and what the future of this technology could look like moving forward.
What is UV disinfection?
UV disinfection refers to the use of ultraviolet light to neutralize or kill viruses. There are different wavelengths of light — some we can see with the naked eye, which is called the “visible light spectrum” and others we can't see, such as radio waves, microwaves, x-rays, ultraviolet, and infrared. All wavelengths represent different types of energy. The ultraviolet spectrum breaks down further into UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and Near UV categories. For disinfection purposes, each has different roles and uses.
UV-C light causes chemical reactions in microbial DNA and RNA, which prevents them from reproducing and eventually kills or neutralizes the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that it encounters. UV-C is effective, but it cannot be safely used in an application where it will come into direct contact with a human being. UV-C applications include UV disinfection lamps and air purification solutions, such as upper-room UV systems and UV lighting for HVAC systems.
UV-C lighting applications are designed for applications where human beings are not present. For example, upper-room UV applications occupy the space closest to the ceiling and point upward rather than downward toward people on the ground. Additionally, surface disinfectant applications have been developed to automatically shut off when detecting movement to avoid potential human exposure.
Pros and cons of UV disinfection adoption
According to the FDA, UV-C lighting can be effective against COVID-19 by inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, as a single component of a health and safety strategy, UV disinfection solutions are not the be-all and end-all for disinfecting public spaces. They are simply an added component of a comprehensive cleaning program to ensure that all surfaces and areas are clear of infection. There are various benefits of using UV disinfection technology, the most notable of which include its proven ability to deactivate viruses.
When UV lights are appropriately used for air purification purposes, they have a long track record of effectively and safely neutralizing the microbes that make people sick. For example, upper-room germicidal UV lights have been used to safely disinfect the air for at least 70 years. The key is to make sure you’re using the application as instructed by the manufacturer to get the desired performance for a specific product.
Another benefit of adopting UV disinfection applications is the technology’s low maintenance requirements. The lifespan of UV lights is generally 18 months to two years before replacement is necessary.
Finally, there is additional assurance in knowing that UV technology is heavily regulated in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Nevertheless, as with any technological adoption, UV disinfection technology has had its share of challenges. For example, a wide-ranging misunderstanding of potential radiation risk associated with using UV lighting solutions still exists, despite how long the technology has been in use.
If the application is implemented properly, there is no risk because you’re not exposing a human being to the radiation. You’re exposing the air, or a specific surface, to the radiation in a controlled environment that does not contain people.
Another barrier to UV disinfection technology adoption is the lack of general market awareness. Business owners may know of UV disinfection technology related to sun tanning beds or nail salons, but may be unaware that similar technology can be installed within their facilities to purify the air. There is also the financial consideration, particularly for restaurants and businesses that have faced financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. These types of organizations have adopted more manual measures for disinfection.
The electrical contractors’ role
UV disinfection technology and lighting solution applications will likely increase due to the ongoing pandemic and its lasting effects. Facilities embarking on their path to “normal” will be looking for contractors with knowledge and expertise in UV disinfection technology. This means electrical contractors have an opportunity to establish an advisory approach that delivers the best value for customers.
Contractors should take on a consultative role when working with clients. It’s more than walking in, counting certain items, and estimating a number. Consult with them, and make sure that you understand how the space you’re going to be working in will be used.
Here are some tips for delivering a valuable advisory approach to customers:
- Be knowledgeable of the technology and its applications.
- Understand the strengths and limitations of the different UV disinfection solutions.
- Know how to analyze the correct application for specific environments.
- Be equipped to advise in the ongoing maintenance of products and solutions that are adopted.
As more building owners and businesses consider UV technology solutions, electrical contractors should not only be knowledgeable about the technology, but they should also be aware of the necessary safety precautions that must be used by building owners and facility managers whenever a disinfection plan includes the use of UV-C lights. Their employees should follow these tips when using UV-C lighting equipment and systems:
- Place temporary warning signs at access points to the area being disinfected before vacating the space.
- When using a handheld UV lighting unit, wear face shields to protect the eyes and face, nitrile gloves or work gloves to protect the hands, and full-coverage clothing with tightly woven fabrics to safeguard all other exposed skin.
- If UV-C disinfection is used in an occupied space, place an opaque barrier between the occupants and the light. All parts of the room that are on the opposite side of the barrier from the light must be sanitized with an alternate method.
- Access panels for products with internal UV lamps should be interlocked with automatic shutoff switches to prevent accidental exposure.
- Overhead germicidal lighting should be equipped with timers and occupancy sensors so that they are only used when the room will not be occupied and immediately shut off if a person enters the space.
The future of UV disinfection technology
Given the rising interest in UV disinfection technology applications, research and development resources are anticipated to drive even more new products and solutions. Some forward-looking applications and solutions include:
- Creating lighting solutions with longer lifespans like LED lamps, which offer five to 10 years of use.
- Engineering more flexible mounting applications, such as evolving in-filter replacement technology.
- Establishing all-in-one applications that can purify the air, disinfect surfaces, and provide lighting when humans are present.
Moving forward, the bottom line is that as businesses start to envision their new normal, electrical contractors should be ready to provide customers with the expertise they need to include disinfection technology solutions in their broader health and safety strategies.
Smith is director of advanced energy solutions with WESCO Energy Solutions, Westfield, Ind. He has more than 20 years of experience working with UV technology and can be reached at [email protected].
