6 minute read
The First of Its Kind
NALMCO Leads the Way With Industry-First GUV Certifications
By Parker Allen with Dr. Katja Auer and Bill Palmer
The concept of using germicidal ultraviolet light for infection prevention is not a new one; it dates back to the late 19th century, when it was discovered that microorganisms are susceptible to various wavelengths of UV light. Recently, the resurgence of diseases transmitted through the air, such as tuberculosis and COVID, has rekindled interest in germicidal UV (GUV).
Given this renewed public interest, many clients, in a wide variety of settings, are asking about adding germicidal UV fixtures in their buildings. First, a quick discussion of GUV to help you familiarize yourself with the technology.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT
Ultraviolet light occupies the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum just above visible light in terms of energy. Ranging from 100 to 400 nm, ultraviolet light is categorized into different ranges based on penetration depth into living tissue. For germicidal UV applications, the UV-C portion, spanning 200 to 280 nm, is the portion of interest.
The mechanism of disinfection using ultraviolet light involves damaging the DNA, RNA, and proteins within microorganisms and viruses, rendering them incapable of replication. The effectiveness of disinfection depends on the intensity of UV, distance from the source, and duration of exposure. While concepts like microbe sensitivity, wavelength efficacy, and optimal dosing practices continue to evolve, the fundamental aspects of these processes are reasonably well understood.
UV-C SOURCES AND APPLICATIONS
Various types of UV-C sources exist, each emitting light at different wavelengths. Historically, low-pressure mercury lamps have been the most common, effective and affordable. Other options include excimer lamps, pulsed xenon lamps, and LEDs, all capable of producing UV-C light.
Lamps emitting ultraviolet light at 254 nm are most commonly used as upper room disinfectants. Additionally, LEDs emitting 265 nm have recently been applied to upper room. Excimer lamps emitting 222 nm can be used in down lights, as they are considered safe for human exposure due to their low intensity as compared to 254 nm.
A typical UV-C lamp has three components: the mount, the reflector, and the baffle. The mount usually contains the power supply and electrical components and is attached to the wall or ceiling. The reflector helps to make certain that the maximum amount of light from the source is directed to the areas of concern. The baffle or louvers block unsafe stray light that may find its way into the occupied zone of a room.
SAFETY
Ultraviolet light is commonly associated with sunburn and skin cancer. The wavelengths responsible for these hazardous health outcomes, however, fall in the UV-A and UV-B portions of the spectrum. According to Recommended Practice: Risk Group Classification And Minimization Of Photobiological Hazards From Ultraviolet Lamps And Lamp Systems (ANSI/IES RP 27.1-22), "There is no evidence at this time of carcinogenic risk in humans from UV-C exposure.” (1) This document was published in 2022 and is a globally recognized ANSI standard.
The risk associated with UV-C (254 nm) is for skin and eye irritation and is well defined. Follow the guidelines set forth in ANSI/CAN/UL 8802-2023, Standard for Ultraviolet (UV) Germicidal Equipment and Systems to limit these risks.
BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS
Chemical disinfection methods are widely used but expensive, and chemical disinfectants often pose health hazards. Given lighting’s ubiquity in our spaces, using light for disinfection is a desirable alternative to chemical methods.
UV-C is often less expensive to install and is more impactful than other physical disinfection methods, such as ventilation and filtration. Furthermore, upper-room GUV takes up no floor space, doesn’t generate any noise, and uses MUCH less energy than in-room filtration devices or ventilation. It’s easy to install and doesn’t cause disruption to services like you would see if installing a new ventilation system.
The biggest road block to widespread adoption of GUV has been a lack of familiarity and experience in applying the technology. If only there were some sort of GUV certification program…
CERTIFICATIONS
NALMCO recognized the need for such a program, and, at the end of 2021, began developing a certification program to train professionals responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of GUV luminaires.
The program is carefully designed by industry experts to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of germicidal GUV-C technology and its effective implementation in their respective fields.
Successful completion of a written and practical examination will earn participants in the program one of three certifications:
• Certified Apprentice GUV Technician (CA-GUVT)
• Certified Senior GUV Technician (CS-GUVT)
• Certified GUV Management Professional (C-GUVMP)
The program is in the final stages of development as NALMCO prepares to make it available to the public later this year. A handful of individuals have gone through the certification process already, and I spoke to a few of them for more details.
Sam Guzman, Global Director for the Healthcare division at American Ultraviolet, explained, “I started in the UV industry in 1996 working as a Sales Manager for American Ultraviolet. I have had the opportunity to witness the industry grow significantly over the years, and efforts by the NALMCO group to educate their members and the public on the proper application and maintenance of GUV systems and equipment is long overdue.”
“Working for American UV, I realized that obtaining the certification would help me to better serve our clients. On top of that, when I learned that Paul Jensen, Rolf Bergman, and David Sliney would be creating the program, I understood what a valuable opportunity it would be to learn from their years of research experience and from their work in the field.”
Michael Krueger, GUV Applications Engineer Lead at Acuity Brands, said, “I engage regularly with many industry organizations involved in the science, design practice, and standards development of GUV technology, including IES, ASHRAE, UL, NEMA and IUVA, in addition to NALMCO… Adding the credibility of the NALMCO C-GUVMP certification to my repertoire was a natural step. I believe that NALMCO certification of industry professionals will lead to higher levels of confidence in the market on the effectiveness of GUV technology and promote the proper use and maintenance of GUV systems.”
He concluded, “It was truly an honor to be involved in this process and be among the first group of professionals in the industry to achieve the top level GUV Management Professional certification from NALMCO.” ■
1). Illuminating Engineering Society. ANSI/IES RP-27.1-22, Recommended Practice: Risk Group Classification and Minimization of Photobiological Hazards From Ultraviolet Lamps and Lamp Systems. New York: IES; 2022.
