Schools consider UV hygiene lights

PRIVATE schools and academies are considering using conveyor belt tunnels containing ultraviolet lights to sanitise books and toys in a bid to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 when they fully reopen.

The energy emitted by UV-C light damages the DNA or RNA of virus particles in a process known as photo dimerisation, inactivating them and preventing the cells from reproducing.

Previous studies have shown UV-C lights are highly effective at decreasing the infectivity of Sars, a similar coronavirus to Covid-19.

UV Clean Light, a UK manufacturer, has been in talks with academies and private schools across the UK about installing the ultraviolet lights to help children return to the classroom.

The conveyor belt would act as an additional sanitising method. The metal tunnels could be installed at the school gates to sanitise backpacks or

‘Our modelling study suggests that upperroom UV installation could be equivalent to doubling the ventilation rate’

other items upon entry, or inside the school to sanitise toys or books.

Conversations are also ongoing to install fixed or portable UV-C lights to assist cleaning staff in their efforts to prevent transmission. “There will be areas where people can go in and clean … and then they can leave the room and put a portable unit on, whether that’s staff rooms or canteens,” said Keith Wyatt, founder of UV Clean Light.

The use of ultraviolet lights to kill or inactivate microorganisms – also known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) – has been recommended by the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage).

In a paper from April 14, discussing evidence of environmental influence on transmission, the group said ultraviolet disinfection may be a “viable approach for controlling fine aerosol particles, particularly in rooms with poorer ventilation”. Another paper from April 28 said: “Our modelling study suggests that upper-room UV installation could be equivalent to doubling the ventilation rate”.