Ultraviolet light is known to be effective at killing bacteria, and engineers at Euston Station in London have installed a UV sanitisation unit in one of the station’s six escalators, to assess the effectiveness. The unit is positioned in the escalator near the handrail, shining UV-C light onto it as it rotates, reportedly killing 99.9% of bacteria in a continuous loop.
It’s hoped that the UV-C light exposure will keep the handrail surface free of Covid-19 (and other viruses) and bacteria, helping to improve Health and Safety standards to protect the public.
This is in addition to deep-clean routines carried out by Network Rail across the network, including sanitiser and anti-viral treatments on common touchpoints, such as ticket machines and doors.
It’s reported that another trial is taking place at Leeds Station, where they are using nitric oxide gas to sterilise handrails.
As we all look forward to an easing of lockdown, it’s important to embrace the possibilities presented by new technologies. This is a vital step to prevent the potential spread of viruses, not just within public spaces like stations, but to explore what might be effective within the workplace.
https://www.railway-technology.com/news/euston-station-tests-bacteria-killing
