Electricity and Control October 2020

SAFETY OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT + PEOPLE

Giantlight has introduced new UV-C germicidal solutions for deep cleaning in public, commercial and industrial facilities: an air scrubber (with UV-C light enclosed) and UV-C light fittings.

Industrial applications In manufacturing facilities, mines and other industrial ap- plications UV-C can be used to clean the air and surfaces of Corona virus pathogens – and many other pathogens, moulds and spores. Horlacher says it is well recognised and, for example, has been used for more than 30 years to sterilise water in bottling plants, breweries and other facili- ties in the food and beverage sector. Considering industrial spaces – such as manufacturing plants, assembly halls, warehouses – he explains that cov- erage for the air scrubbers is calculated by volume of the space to be treated. Surface cleaners are directional and make use of the reflectivity of walls, floors, ceilings and room elements like tables and shelves to ‘bounce’ the UV-C rays all over the space. The smaller the area, the fewer UV-C products needed and the quicker the cleansing can be done. Each application requires thought and attention to particular fac- tors, including occupancy and staff movement. Giantlight already has UV-C installations at Anglo American Platinum mines in Polokwane and Rustenburg, as well as chemical industries and various entertainment facilities. □

The only downside of the products is that the UV-C will, over time, attack plastics and materials – much as UV light affects items left out in the sun – and the added cost of electricity. The future for UV-C “Even if we find a vaccine, I don’t think any of us will ever again think the same way,” says Horlacher. “The science is there, the public just needs to be educated about it. UV-C is a form of PPE, and from a commercial aspect, the maths works. Instead of having to close production for hours or days for a deep clean – which means a loss of revenue – UV-C can be used.” Testing credentials As the current pandemic is a medical situation, the testing cri- teria and the measuring methodology is complex. “Both our air scrubbers have National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) test reports, which talk to their efficacy,” says Horlacher. He notes that UV-G manufacturers need to submit products for testing in respect of: - NIOH – National Institute of Occupational Health - SANS 60958 (general appliances) - SANS 1706 (UV-G products specifically).

For more information visit: www.giantlight.co.za

26 Electricity + Control OCTOBER 2020