Ensuring Controlled and Effective Disinfection

Surfacide Helios is ultraviolet-C (UVC) light technology, an adjunct cleaning tool for disinfecting surfaces and rendering harmful microorganisms inactive. As with most medical devices, it is important to remember and utilize proper precautions for UVC safety. To ensure controlled and effective use, Surfacide is outlining the measures necessary when using Helios or any UVC device.

Understanding the Risks of UV-C Exposure

The Surfacide Helios emits UVC energy at a wavelength of 253.7nm, which is particularly effective at inactivating germs. Unfortunately, this wavelength also poses a risk of exposure to humans. Direct exposure to UV-C light can cause:

  • Photokeratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye.
  • Erythema: Reddening and irritation of the skin.

These symptoms typically appear within 1 to 12 hours of UVC exposure and fully resolve within 24 to 48 hours1. In rare cases of acute overexposure to UV-C band radiation, incapacity due to eye discomfort may last for several days but leaves no permanent damage1.

Prioritizing UVC Safety During Disinfection

To prioritize safety while using your Surfacide Helios, please follow these recommendations:

  • Avoid eye or skin exposure to the unshielded UVC light.
  • Only trained personnel should operate Surfacide equipment.
  • Operate Surfacide Helios in unoccupied environments only.
  • Block ALL entrances to the room being disinfected with safety sensors. Safety sensors use technology to detect movement and automatically shut off the UVC lights if someone enters the room. Locking doors whenever possible provides extra protection.
  • Clearly mark the area undergoing disinfection. Utilize signage, caution tape, and other visual warnings to alert others that UV-C disinfection is in progress.
  • Follow the tablet UVC safety checklist, which outlines crucial steps to ensure safe operation.
  • Ensure hospital staff are familiar with UV-C disinfection practices.

Should you encounter any issues with your Helios system, contact Surfacide Customer Care at (262) 309-6226 for assistance.

By following these safety guidelines, you can ensure the controlled and effective UVC disinfection with Surfacide Helios.

[1] International Standard ISO 15858:2016 UV-C Devices – Safety information – Permissible human exposure; July 2016; Geneva, Switzerland