The current global Coronavirus pandemic has forever changed the way we think about customer and employee health. Safety protocols in the retail and grocer industries have intensified in 2020. Shopping carts are one of the most contaminated items in these industries. Retailers and grocers worldwide are now faced with the monotonous task and costs of quickly and effectively disinfecting the carts to ensure customer and employee safety.
The UVTech T-12 utilizes ultraviolet technology and is capable of disinfecting 6-8 shopping carts in 45 seconds.
Ultraviolet (UV) light contains the optimal energy for inactivating viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms. Inactivation refers to the organism’s ability to no longer infect a host. Viruses can have either DNA or RNA while bacteria and fungi contain DNA. The germicidal effectiveness of UV light is maximized at 265 nano meters (nm), which damages the DNA and RNA structures of the organism (REF 1). Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a reputable method of disinfection dating back to the 1800’s:
Over time, research and development has allowed UVGI to be applicable in water, air, and surface treatment with highly effective outcomes. Hospitals are currently using autonomous robots and other tools equipped with UV-C lights to disinfect surfaces and rooms. HVAC and other filtration units are also utilizing UV-C lights to eliminate mold.
Is Ultraviolet Technology Safe? WE MAKE IT SAFE!
UV-C radiation is bounded by lower wavelengths around 200 to 280 nm. Direct exposure to the light should be avoided as erythema (reddening of the skin) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye) can be caused by this form of radiation (REF 6). T-12 is designed to prevent any UV-C light leakage during use. The interlocking system ensures that operation can only take place when both doors are closed.
Image depicts the interlocking system built into the doors and the frame of T-12. The enclosure cannot be turned on until both doors are in a closed position, activating the limit switches.
The novel Coronavirus is known to live on surfaces lasting between six hours to nine days. The biggest issues with Coronavirus are the high secondary infection rate, rapid spread, and fatality rate (REF 5). Any residual contamination can pose a threat to customers and employees. T-12 is proven to reduce surface contamination by 99.99%, and is capable of disinfecting 6-8 shopping carts in 45 seconds. Image 2 displays the T-12 output (units dosage) per second. Common viruses, bacteria, and fungi are found on the graph with their respective dosage limits and the time at which the T-12 inactivates them.
