A ground-breaking range of air and surface sanitiser units has been launched by Oxford-based Airdri Group, which the company believes is crucial in the Government’s mission to return children and teachers to schools safely.
With educational institutes currently closed to most pupils across the entire UK teachers are stretched attempting to provide both online and in person lessons. Increased cleaning measures need to be incorporated into the school day to protect those who are in school, providing a further pressure on education staff. And advisors have warned of the negative impact on children’s mental health, education, development and wellbeing.
It’s understandable that reopening schools is a top priority, but could this new technology be the answer?
Giving schools an affordable new way to protect staff against the transmission of viruses, the pioneering technology applied to SteraSpace units has been independently tested by the UK public health laboratories, including at Porton Down.
Initial efficacy data has demonstrated extremely positive results in both the reduction of harmful micro-organisms in the air and on surfaces, as well as much lower levels of employee absence through sickness.
A 42% reduction in absenteeism was reported by one company which installed the SteraSpace technology into its workplace environment. The organisation installed ten of the SteraSpace units in key locations. Results showed specific reduction in absenteeism of employees with asthma, cold, cough, influenza, chest / respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses and saved the business £213,704 in sickness cover over three months.”
And there could be similar benefits in educational settings. Steve Whittall, group director of R&D and operations at Airdri explains:
“During England’s lockdown in November, it’s thought that schools remaining open led to a much faster rise in infections in young people. And although in most cases, children and teenagers are likely to only experience a mild disease, there are the risks to teaching staff and increased infection rates in the community through asymptomatic cross-infection at school. Schools are busy places and it’s difficult to manage social distancing, especially among younger age groups. However, we believe SteraSpace could hold the solution.
“Simply installing one of our SteraSpace sanitisers in a school would provide 24/7 infection and odour control by sanitising surrounding air and exposed surfaces. Within minutes, micro-organisms in the air are almost eliminated, significantly reducing the risk of cross-infection, and negating the need for heightened cleaning regimes.”
The units combine Photo Catalytic Disinfection (PCD), Germicidal Irradiation and Dual Waveband UV technology to create the most advanced virus and bacteria control technology of its kind. This offers a unique and highly effective way to eliminate bacteria, mould, fungi, viruses, dust mites, allergens, and harmful VOCs to result in clean, healthy air and surfaces in the workplace.
The combination of Photo Catalytic Disinfection (PCD), Germicidal Irradiation and Dual Waveband UV technologies produce a plasma of Targeted ozone, Superoxide Ions and Hydroxyl Radicals that effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, mould fungi and odours.
By combining these three advanced technologies a continuous flow of disinfecting plasma is released into the air which eliminates 98.11% of airborne and 99.6% of surface micro-organisms and it works in under 60 minutes.
Able to service areas up to 80m2, there are four units in the range suitable for varying environments, from washrooms, to offices, medical practices, schools, warehouses, factories and care homes.
Steve added: “We’re extremely proud of both the effectiveness of the product, but also how the technology can be used in alternative ways for niche or more demanding spaces.
“Unlike other routes to infection control, such as chemical fogging, SteraSpace can be used continuously in the background creating cleaner, fresher air throughout the day. Once installed it is extremely affordable with very low energy consumption. It really is one of the best ways that educational institutes can ensure the safety and assurance of pupils and teachers alike on their return.”
