NEA Safety Guidelines for Use of UVC devices (source: NEA)

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses UVC. This method of disinfection has been applied in the disinfection of surfaces and sanitisation of drinking water. UVC sterilisers which use UVGI have been applied in the healthcare sector and in research. The efficacy of UVGI against a range of microbes has been demonstrated in numerous studies. 

UV disinfection has a short turn-around time (less than 30 min) and does not leave any chemical residues behind after treatment. However, the following factors must be considered when it is applied, whether as a fixed installation or as a portable system:

1. There must be line of sight from the UVC source to the surface to be disinfected for treatment to be effective. High-touch points that are obscured may be missed. For example, surfaces of door handles, handle bars, or toilet flushes that are not directly in the line-of-sight will not be disinfected. It is recommended that this areas will still be deep cleaning with disinfectants by wiping or washing.
2. The effectiveness of UVGI in inactivating microorganisms depends on the duration of exposure, intensity, distance of surface from source and wavelength of the UV radiation. There is therefore a need for careful calibration and monitoring.

Safety Guidelines

There has been a growing demand and enquiry for UVC disinfection devices, and an increased availability of UVC devices in the market. BUY from Sources which has the CE, EPA, UL, authority certification to prevent buying “FAKE UVC devices” which only emit Blue light, or Purple light.

In this regard, it is important for members of the public to be aware that these devices should be handled safely as UVC radiation can cause eye injury (for example, irritation and inflammation of cornea) and skin injury (for example, erythema).  In addition, some of these UVC devices may also emit ozone, which can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. For those who have respiratory sensitivity such as asthma or allergies, the use of such UVC devices that emit ozone should be avoided and checks should be done with the manufacturer to verify whether the device emits ozone. All UVC devices are to be kept out of reach of children.

UVC devices should only be operated by trained personnel to avoid accidental exposure to the personnel and others at the premises.