In connection with the Covid19 pandemic, which we have witnessed recently, people are trying to maintain a distance with each other in public places. Of course, one day the pandemic will end and our life will return to normal. But even after the pandemic is completely over, people will remember the restrictions for a long time and be suspicious of public places in terms of hygiene. In order for society to return to normal use of airports, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and other public places, they need to provide safe and reliable hygienic conditions. A complete pandemic or drug and vaccine development is not enough to fully return to normal. In the future, before going somewhere, people will first of all wonder: "Is this a safe place in terms of hygiene?" Companies that provide the necessary safety in terms of hygiene will be able to successfully return to a normal course of life.

In the light of such circumstances, many studies have been carried out. Public areas are disinfected, social distance is respected, tourist facilities receive certificates of hygiene compliance, work schedules are changed, meetings are held online, instead of daily visits to offices, it is possible to work from home, government agencies issue appropriate instructions and directions, and people gradually move on to new period and living conditions.

How to ensure the safe and hygienic use of elevators and cabins in public buildings?

How will we be able to prove to users of the services we serve in enterprises, institutions, workplaces, residential buildings, schools, hospitals, airports, elevator shopping centers that they are safe? Elevator users in public areas need to convey the idea of a “hygienic elevator”.

So what can we do?

Do you need to wash the elevator cabs hourly? Should disinfectants be continuously sprayed in the cab? Or should everyone on the elevators have a worker who measures body temperature? Or should we remodel the cabins for ten passengers to one? Do you think this is possible? Given the complexity of such processes, how much will it cost us and users? Are such methods the most effective and ergonomic solution?

As you know, our elevators are equipped with an electronic automation system. Imagine that we are developing a new system. Do you think it is possible to make the elevator self-disinfect, even when not in use? How can I install such a device in an elevator, regularly carry out maintenance and inspection and ensure its autonomous operation in conjunction with an automated elevator system? Is it necessary to carry out appropriate developments, taking into account the era of advanced technologies?

UV-C sterilization

Radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum, of which waves are longer than x-rays, but shorter than those perceived by the human eye, is called ultraviolet (UV). The human eye can see the spectrum of red and ultraviolet light. This special light, which is used as a sterilizer, is called short-wave light or ultraviolet light. Such light is within the UV-C band in the range from 200 to 280 nm. The wavelength of light required for sterilization is 253.7 nm. Lamps with this light, when used properly, are used as sterilizers.

Ultraviolet rays destroy the structure of DNA and RNA of bacteria, viruses, mold and fungal spores, neutralizing their effect. The effect of such radiation can be compared with the action of sunlight. When we are exposed to the sun for a long time, severe burns appear on the skin. UV-C shorter wavelengths than solar rays are used to neutralize viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.

 

However, one should not forget that ultraviolet rays should be used in a deserted environment. In addition to neutralizing bacteria and viruses, they can also cause damage on the skin.

Benefits of UV-C Sterilization

• UV-C sterilization systems can be used safely in the home, at work, in all closed public places; with their help it is possible to create healthy and safe conditions for the life and work of people in a sterile environment.

• UV sterilization is the most effective method of destroying infectious formations created by any bacteria, microorganisms and viruses carried by people from outside to inside during the day.

• UV-C sterilization leaves no traces of disinfectants in the room.

• Sterilization of enclosed spaces maximizes hygiene and safety of people and provides reliable protection against all risks.

Scope of application of ultraviolet lamps (UV-C)

They can be used in hospitals, pharmacies, dental clinics, patient care rooms, veterinary clinics, offices, workplaces, schools, restaurants, kindergartens, shopping centers, public transport, places of worship and other public places, etc. to prevent the spread of airborne diseases by reducing the number of pathogens in the air in enclosed spaces, such as production, packaging and storage areas.

An Overview on Viruses

Viruses are a biological species that simultaneously exhibits both living and non-living properties. They have no cells, although they have DNA and RNA. For existence, they definitely need the presence of a host organism. Viruses can cause various diseases. They can affect various life forms, because the host organism is enough for them to reproduce. Viruses can be simple or complex. On the other hand, bacteria are unicellular organisms with cellular mechanisms that allow them, unlike viruses, to survive on their own.

Use of ultraviolet (UV-C) rays in automated elevator systems

As you know, elevators are electromechanical devices. Elevator control electronic cards also control the cabin lighting system. UV lamp sterilization can be used in the cab with new software that is added to these cards, or by transmitting the current output received from such a card through newly installed relays.

UV lamps used in a deserted environment are installed inside the cab as a second lighting circuit. Activation of lamps at the end of each use of the elevator is ensured by automated panel devices. Working hours are determined depending on the area and volume of the cab and the power of the installed UV lamp. The UV lamp turns off after sterilization, and after repeated use of the elevator, the motion sensor turns on. If the absence of people in the cab is confirmed, the lamp turns on again. After the set operating time and the completion of sterilization, it is switched off again. When performing these operations, additional safety measures should be provided. It must be remembered that the lamp should not work constantly, especially when people are in the elevator. The system must be serviced monthly by the responsible organization and annually subjected to a Class “A” safety inspection by the inspection authorities. Like any other product, ultraviolet lamps have their own life. Automatically turning off the lamp after sterilizing the cab will extend its life.

Elevator cabs, which are automatically sterilized in this way, represent safety for users and, over time, will become an indispensable element of life in the post-epidemic period.

Scientific and technical developments on the sterilization of elevator cabins using UV lamps were launched in collaboration with the Industrial and Technical Lyceum Alibeyköy. After testing on a simulation elevator, the first tests were performed on an elevator in the Lyceum building. Tests and tests have shown positive results. Ultraviolet radiation was activated only when there was no one in the cab and the elevator was not working. When working during the estimated time in the cabin, all bacteria and viruses that could cause infectious diseases were neutralized.

Bibliography, articles and studies

• Mak.Müh. Recep ARSLAN

Alibeyköy Industrial Vocational High School – 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjwjyb3jfku&t=32s

• Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nuri ÖZTÜRK

Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mikrobiyoloji ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Ana Bilim Dalı, Manisa ( 5. Ulusal Sterilizasyon Dezenfeksiyon Kongresi-2007 ) (Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Manisa (5th National Sterilization Disinfection Congress-2007))

https://www.das.org.tr

• Raşit DİNÇ

President of Health Federation

https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/corona-virusu-uv-ile-yok-edilebilir-6164388

• Columbia University

Radiological Research Center

New York

https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/can-uv-light-fight-spread-influenza

• Niels Ryberg FINSEN – Won a Nobel Prize for Sterilization with UV-C Rays.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/s41598-018-21058-w

• Nurcan KOCA, Turkuaz Ecem SAATLİ,

Müge URGU

Applications of Ultraviolet light to the Surface in Food Industry, - Ege, University, Faculty of Engineering, Food Engineering Department.

https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/

• Dr. Özlem AK

Tubitak Bilim ve Teknik Dergisi - tubitak.gov.tr