What training is recommended/required for use of the robots?
It is essential for any operator to undertake the online/in-person training course to familiarise themselves with the features, functionality and requirements of the robots as well as understand the standard operational guidance. There will also be a requirement for onsite training for use of the Sol and a ticketing system set up via the website for any queries. Online tutorials will also be available for refresher training and specific function instructions.
UV-C Explained
How does ozone work?
Ozone kills bacteria by destroying their cell wall. Once the cell wall is destroyed, the bacteria will not be able to survive. The third ozone oxygen atom is extremely reactive because it is unstable. This atom easily attaches to other odour molecules. When contaminants such as odours, bacteria or viruses come into contact with ozone, their chemical structure is changed to less odorous compounds. While more ozone attacks the remaining compounds, the odour is eventually destroyed. This process is called oxidation. Ozone essentially returns to oxygen after being used. This makes it a very environmentally friendly oxidant.
What kind of odours does Ozone eliminate?
Ozone neutralizes bacteria and moulds which are the main cause of odours generated and breaks down compounds in air. Therefore, any odours, including nicotine, are eliminated and not simply disguised.
How long does ozone last?
As soon as ozone forms in a generator and disperses into a room, part of it returns to oxygen (O2). This step occurs in several processes, including the following: (i) oxidation reacts with an organic material such as odours or smoke. (ii) reactions with bacteria, etc., which again consume ozone for oxidation reactions.
In addition, ozone breaks thermally. Higher temperatures destroy ozone faster than lower temperatures. The remaining ozone is called residual ozone. The "residual" ozone created will return to oxygen usually within 30 minutes, in amounts equal to half its level. This means that after each subsequent 30-minute period at the end of the period, half of the residual ozone that was present at the beginning of the period would remain. This is similar to a geometric progression of 16; 8; 4; 2; 1. In practice, the half-life is generally less than 30 minutes due to temperature, dust and other contaminants in the air.
Therefore, ozone, although very powerful, does not last long. It does the job and then disappears back into safe ‘oxygen’ in air.
What is the right ozone level?
The right level of ozone is when all the ozone generated is consumed. This applies only to the continuous use of ozone in busy environments, not for the treatment of shocks. However, this is difficult to achieve because the process is a balancing act. Initially the output of the machine is set to eliminate the odour problem as quickly as possible. While this is being realised, less ozone is needed for the decreasing odour, etc., thus leaving excess ozone residue in the air. If the machine output is not lowered, excess ozone will remain. If you notice a strong ozone smell, then there is more ozone than is necessary, and it is suggested to aerate and leave the room stand for few minutes (the unit will ensure ozone levels returns to safe levels before cycle completion). Note: Ozone does not need to be detected by humans to be effective. Ozone can work even when humans are unable to smell it.
When should I use ozone-producing lamps?
UV-C germicide lamps generate power at 185nm and 254 nm. This UV-C emission produces copious amounts of ozone in the air. Ozone is an extremely active oxidant and destroys microorganisms in air on contact. Ozone doubles also as a deodorant. Another advantage is that it can reach shadowed areas and blind spots that UV-C radiation cannot reach directly.
From our understanding the UV lights neutralise the Ozone O3 molecules back to Oxygen O2. How long does this process take?
The Ozone molecules are converted back to O2 towards the end of each cycle. The neutralising period takes approximately 20% of the entire cycle time and is calculated/executed automatically.
Can you set the Robot to use UV-C only without Ozone?
Yes – the robot can be programmed to disinfect using the UV-C feature exclusively.
Is there a way of testing the ozone levels once a room / area has been cleaned?
An Ozone meter can be utilised to determine levels remaining following completion of cycle. The unit does not operate at Ozone levels which are harmful to humans and integrates a neutralising phase into the cycle so O3 is eliminated before individuals return to the space.
Ozone Explained
What are the health and safety operational requirements to using the machine?
The UV-C disinfection robots are suitable for every environment due to the low voltage equipment feature and its electromagnetic compatibility. This feature limits the penetration to every kind of material including garments and food. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause photo degradation of organic and synthetic materials. Most photographic degradation can occur only on the immediate surface of a material and/or manifest itself as fading or discolouration. The degree to which an object might be susceptible to UV degradation should be considered in any application where exposure can be prolonged. It is advisable to protect valuable or delicate artwork to avoid any damage through longer term exposure to UV-C light.
Long-term exposure of germicide UV-C light to plastic reduces the shelf life of plastic by about 10%. Example: If the plastic normally lasts about ten years and is exposed to UV-C germicide light all the time, it should probably be replaced in 9 years. Plant life can be damaged by direct germicide ultraviolet rays or reflections. Dyes and transient colours can be faded by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Is ozone harmful and what are the long-term effects?
Several regulatory agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have determined that the permitted residual safety level is 0.1 ppm (parts per million). Note that this allowed level is for continuous exposure for a full day of 8 hours. The robots operate at an Ozone concentration of 0.05 ppm (parts per million) which is within human safety levels. The temporary effects of such low exposure range from headaches, to sore throats and irritation of the eyes and nose. No long-term effect has ever been documented by ozone exposure.
The robots operate at an Ozone concentration of 0.05 ppm (parts per million) which is within human safety levels.
What effects does the UV-C and Ozone have on plants, exposure to food, working surfaces, electronics, garden centres, computer spaces etc?
Prolonged exposure to UV can cause photo degradation of organic and synthetic materials. Owing to the short wavelength, UV-C transmissivity tends to be very low for most materials; therefore, most of the photo degradation may occur only on the immediate surface of a material, and/or manifest itself as fading or discoloration. The degree to which an object might be susceptible to UV degradation needs to be considered in any application where exposure may be prolonged.
How do you know when it is safe to re-enter a room? Does it produce a safety report upon completion of cycle stating the levels of ozone have been neutralised? Is it safe to enter once the cleaning cycle has finished or do you have to leave the area to “settle”?
The space can be entered as soon as the disinfection cycle has finished. The programme schedules appropriate time for Ozone levels to be transformed (back to Oxygen) down to a maximum of 0.05 parts per million, far below the levels considered harmful to people.
Are there EU regulations for ozone limits / use?
There are no EU regulations for Ozone limits; but levels in excess of 0.3 ppm is classed as harmful to humans.
Is it safe to look at the device through a window while it is running?
Yes. UV-C waves cannot penetrate through glass; therefore, it is safe to be on the other side of a window. The movement sensor (if activated) however can notice you and abort the cycle.
If a person enters a room, we understand the robot immediately aborts the cleaning process. Does it offer a warning to the person who has entered?
Yes. A chromatic variation of the LEDs to red indicates the cleaning process has been aborted. The machine stops immediately upon sensing any movement of a human or otherwise and lamps are shut down.
Health & Safety
What training is recommended/required for use of the robots?
It is essential for any operator to undertake the online/in-person training course to familiarise themselves with the features, functionality and requirements of the robots as well as understand the standard operational guidance. There will also be a requirement for onsite training for use of the Sol and a ticketing system set up via the website for any queries. Online tutorials will also be available for refresher training and specific function instructions.
Operations
What training is recommended/required for use of the robots?
It is essential for any operator to undertake the online/in-person training course to familiarise themselves with the features, functionality and requirements of the robots as well as understand the standard operational guidance. There will also be a requirement for onsite training for use of the Sol and a ticketing system set up via the website for any queries. Online tutorials will also be available for refresher training and specific function instructions.
Maintenance
What training is recommended/required for use of the robots?
It is essential for any operator to undertake the online/in-person training course to familiarise themselves with the features, functionality and requirements of the robots as well as understand the standard operational guidance. There will also be a requirement for onsite training for use of the Sol and a ticketing system set up via the website for any queries. Online tutorials will also be available for refresher training and specific function instructions.
Training