UV-C light products for healthcare applications

Commenting on the range, Nelo Neves, Managing Director of LEDVANCE UK, said: “The pandemic has brought the importance of healthcare hygiene to the forefront of everyone’s minds. The pressure on key workers at the ‘frontline’ of the fight against COVID is already immense. Simple yet highly effective sanitisation solutions, such as UV-C lighting fixtures, can really ease the burden, ensuring hospital spaces and equipment are fully disinfected in minutes. LEDVANCE is in a key position to support with this. The LEDVANCE factory in Smolensk, Russia, has been mass-producing UV-C lamps since 2012 and we hold more than 50 patents in low pressure discharge technology.”

For easy installation in a wide range of spaces, the LEDVANCE T8 UV-C lamps are available in three lengths: 440mm (15/25W), 900mm (30/55W) and 1,200mm (36/75W). They are CCG and ECG compatible and can be mounted on a standard G13 base. These T8 lamps last up to 20% longer than competitors’ comparable products (10,800h/L70B50) and conform to the most stringent quality and safety standards (including ISO 9001/14001 and CB certification).

Without appropriate safety measures, UV-C radiation can be dangerous to humans, and require the installation of detection sensors to ensure protection against exposure. The LEDVANCE IR Sensor Safety Kit gives a 30 second delay at start-up and switches off the lamp as soon as people are detected. The Linear Housing UV-C Sensor comes with an integrated long-lasting ECG (electronic control gear to regulate dimming), which is compatible with LEDVANCE T8 UV-C. It has a detection range of up to 150 sqm (depending on the height of the installation). An anti-UV coating covers the lamp holder, screws and plastic parts. The Linear Housing UV-C Sensor is available in two lengths: 440mm (18W) and 900mm (33W).

About UV-C light

Ultraviolet radiation, UV for short, is divided into four ranges according to its wavelength. Light with a wavelength between 100 and 280 nanometres is classified as UV-C light. As it does not occur naturally on Earth, UV-C light is able to kill bacteria, viruses and fungal spores by damaging their DNA. Compared to other methods of disinfection, UV-C light has a number of advantages.

For instance, it does not require chemicals or toxic compounds, and pathogens are unable to form resistance to its radiation. Though the pathogens are rendered harmless in a matter of seconds, the treatment’s short duration does not change the properties of a product or leave residue and discolouration on surfaces.

UV-C installations must be supervised by professionals

UV-C sources are dangerous (risk class RG3 according to standard NF EN 62471). The UV radiation they emit expose risks to skin (burns) but also to the cornea and retina. UV-C radiation has no immediate effects. As a result, the user may be unknowingly exposed to irradiation for an extended period of time. Harmful effects usually appear within 24 hours of exposure. The severity is determined by the intensity of irradiation, the duration of exposure and the cumulative exposure.

The installation and use of UV-C products must therefore be reserved for professionals who have received specific training on the risks of UV-C radiation as well as on the safety measures required by law in order to adequately protect humans, animals, plants and the environment from harmful effects. During the installation, adequate shields and safeguards must be in place. These include presence detection sensors and timers.

LEDVANCE lighting solutions come in environmentally friendly cardboard packaging with all relevant product information immediately visible on the outside of the box.