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Engineering Control for Hospital Management
of
Organizational-Acquired Illnesses
The Joint Commission (JCAHO) reviews the management plan of healthcare
facilities to determine whether they establish standards, including
engineering controls, to reduce the potential for organizational-acquired
illnesses.
One such engineering control that has been receiving attention and gaining
results is Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection of circulating air systems.
Once properly designed, UV systems can be installed in existing Air Handler
Units and in Duct.
UV has been proven to kill various bacteria and viruses when properly designed,
installed, and tested. The following table provides some examples, including
the corresponding UV Fluence (dosage). Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) membranes
enhance the UV's disinfection capability, while reducing volatile organics
and amines.
UV Energies Required to Provide Log 3 (99.9%)
Inactivation of Common
Bacteria and Viruses
| Microorganism |
UV (mwatts*sec/cm2) |
| Bacillus Anthracis |
9,000 |
| Bacillus Subtilis (vegetative) |
11,000 |
| Bacillus Subtilis (SPORES) |
58,000 |
| Escherichia Coli |
7,000 |
| Legionella |
6,000 |
| Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB) |
10,000 |
| Staphylococcus (various) |
10,000 |
| Streptococcus Lactia |
7,000 |
| Hepatitus Virus |
8,000 |
| Influenza Virus |
7,000 |
| Pollo Virus |
21,000 |
| Rota Virus |
24,000 |
Various MOLD Spores
(e.g., penicillum and aspergillus) |
22,000 to 330,000 |
Catalyx's Titan Aire™ UV and PCO systems would typically supplement the
existing particle filtration, including HEPAs. The systems are designed according to the parameters
set by the customer. Standard models for hospitals range from 1,200
to 30,000 cfm of air flow. Catalyx offers full O&M support, with readily
available spare parts and calibration equipment.
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Catalyx technologies, llc •
PO Box 137 •
Media, PA 19063 •
Ph 610-892-9405
Fax 610-892-9407 •
www.catalyxtech.com |
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