TMB Barcelona tested VU light to disinfect Facilities and Escalators in Metro Stations
TMB Barcelona is testing UVC ultraviolet light rays to escalators and certain spaces in metro station facilities, as a reinforcement of hygienic conditions against the spread of coronavirus and on the line to make public transport an environmentally safe space. The treatment, the same as that applied in hospital operating rooms, was initially tested in rooms and trains at Vall d’Hebron station on line 5 and on an escalator at La Sagrera station.
UVC ultraviolet light irradiation has a proven germicidal power and has long been used in sanitary facilities to disinfect environmental surfaces in a few minutes. Upon receiving light flashes, microorganisms absorb it, its DNA fuses and they become inactivated.
Manual UVC devices
In the case of escalators, sterilizing devices are placed inside the equipment so that they constantly sweep the handrails with ultraviolet light. In this way, they remain sanitized throughout the day. For the test, an escalator of the station of line 1 of La Sagrera is being used that communicates the platform with the vestibule of connection with line 5.
Daily disinfection
Remember that, in the case of the metro, the spaces for collective use and, especially, all the elements that can be touched with the hands are disinfected daily with water, detergent, and bleach, or other equivalent products. In general, it covers all surfaces for public or shared use (train and station seats, handrails, railings) and all drive devices, such as door handles and handles, pushbuttons, lift buttons, validators, and vending machines. Disinfection also applies to premises used by employees, such as station management booths and toilets.
The tests are being carried out with the collaboration of cleaning companies, UVC device manufacturers and companies specializing in autonomous collaborative robotics. If the effectiveness and feasibility of the treatment are verified, ultraviolet light irradiation will be added to the procedures for cleaning and sanitizing the spaces and vehicles of the metro and bus networks that have been adopted as a result of the health emergency.