There are two types of FIMAP decontamination devices suitable for the office setting. These work on the basis of electrostatic hygienization technology. The two devices are:
E-Spray
This is a ‘gun sprayer’ that uses the principle of electrostatic induction to distribute disinfectant solutions effectively and uniformly on surfaces. The E-Spray device creates a fine spray, which is formed of small and light drops.
These are either sprayed directly onto the surface or they settle onto the surface through an electrostatic charge, whereby droplets are attracted to surfaces. The charge is stronger than the force of gravity, which causes the droplets of disinfectant to move more rapidly to a surface than they would through gravitational sedimentation. The manufacturer describes this as ‘electrostatic hygienization’.
Electric Fogger
This is a bigger unit that operates on the same principles as the E-spray.
The devices use lithium batteries. These take 30 minutes to charge and have a run time of 60 minutes. Both devices are cordless. Different disinfectants can be used; however, the optimal disinfectant to use is Selgiene Ultra. This disinfectant has been selected on the basis of safety and viricidal efficacy. The active ingredients are:
Alcohol Alkoxylate
Quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-C12-16-alkyldimethyl, chlorides
didecyldimethylammonium chloride
pH10
The concentrations are between 1 and 5 percent, for each of the active ingredients.
Potential safety risk are to the eyes and skin, therefore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn (such as eye wear, skin covered, and gloves).
In terms of disinfectant activity, as droplets make contact with a surface the microcidal kill process begins. The vapour is produced by an electrostatic applicator providing an electrical charge through the solution. Through this process, the charged molecules repel each other. This means the molecules keep an even distance from each other.
The charge effect also causes the molecules to become attracted to the surface to be treated. The strength of the charged particles is greater than that of gravity, so they are immediately attracted by the surface and do not fall to the ground.
The objective of using these devices is to:
Target difficult to reach locations within a room, by ensuring even coverage of a vapour.
Ensure 360 degree coverage, in terms of disinfectant application.
To minimise the amount of time that personnel undertaking the disinfection need to spend in an affected area.
To provide an effective means to disinfect all surface types, not just the hard surfaces that are applicable to saturated wipes. This includes fabrics, such as carpets and chairs.
In operation, the devices are effective at decontaminating a standard office and can help to support coronavirus measures in the workplace.
