Automated room decontamination (ARD) systems may help to enhance levels of environmental cleaning and disinfection in critical areas, such as clinical treatment rooms, hospital wards and other healthcare related environments where infection control is important. They should be used in addition to routine physical cleaning and disinfection but can bring certain advantages that may benefit cleaning outcomes. ARD is a collective term that can include airborne disinfection (fumigation) systems, germicidal UV equipment and air cleaning devices. Recently, the Healthcare Infection Society published evidence based information to assist potential purchasers and end users of such equipment, with a focus on germicidal UV and airborne disinfection equipment. The published information was designed to help equipment users to understand some of the most important aspects of choosing and operating such devices. This presentation will reflect on some of the content of the recent publication, but will also include further reflections on almost twenty years of practical testing of such equipment at HSE’s laboratory in Buxton. Equipment efficacy, limitations and safety in use will all be considered.

Guideline: https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(22)00011-1/fulltext

Webinar recording: https://vimeo.com/704058185

Alan Beswick, Health and Safety Executive