Gatwick rolls out UV treatment of security trays to fight spread of Covid-19
Gatwick has become the first airport in the UK to roll out an ultraviolet disinfecting security tray treatment to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Following a one-month trial on a single security lane in July 2020, with laboratory tests demonstrating a 99.9% microbe disinfection rate, it will be rolled out on eight lanes in Gatwick’s North Terminal – six for passengers and two for staff – by the end of this month.
The technology sees each tray pass through a covered ‘UV-tunnel’ fixed underneath the hand luggage screening system, as trays exit the scanners, so that every tray is treated immediately before each passenger uses it.
The system uses short-wavelength UV-C light, which laboratory tests show is effective against coronaviruses, including Covid-19 and SARS, as the radiation warps the structure of their genetic material and prevents the viral particles from replicating.
The UV-C light is completely contained within a covered unit designed to safety standards, ensuring no risk of exposure to either passengers or staff.
Gatwick and other airports have already deployed other anti-viral systems, such as coatings sprayed on to trays, however this protection dissipates over time whereas this new system treats every tray just before use – ensuring maximum protection and a reduced risk of passing on infection.
Gatwick Chief Operating Officer Adrian Witherow said: “This new system has proven itself to be extremely reliable and provides a really high degree of reassurance as every single passenger and staff member using the system will have a tray that has only just been disinfected.
“As an airport, we will continue to explore innovative health solutions like this that reduce the spread of coronaviruses and other infections.
“The system goes above and beyond the guidelines and we will continue to do everything we can to help reassure our passengers that flying is still a great travelling experience and that the health measures we have in place are effective and easy to follow.”
Article taken from Travelmole on 17/09/20