Do-It-Yourself UV sterilizer for COVID-19 PPE

Need

Some small and medium health care centres may soon be in a position where they need to re-use PPE Personal Protective Equipment such as surgical masks and N95 respirators, face shields etc. As well, there is a need no find cost-effective ways to passively clean and sterilize personal equipment such as cell phones, communication badges like Vocera units, ID badges, goggles, etc.

Virus lifespan

We think that the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 persists for different lengths of time on different surfaces.

3 hours: Printed and tissue paper

2 days: wood and cloth

4 days: glass and banknotes

7 days: stainless steel and plastic

7 days: outer surface of surgical masks!

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(20)30003-3/fulltext

Ultraviolet sterilization

UV light can be used for sterilizing surfaces of virons quicker than simply letting objects "sit". It does have some effects on the objects being treated, but during a pandemic scenarior, trade-offs may be necessary. Sterilization by UV is imperfect as duration needed is variable, and direct exposure to each surface is required but again, during a pandemic situation, something is better than nothing.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25806411/

Homemade solution

We have put together a DIY UV sterilizer usuable by a small institution if they are unable to locate or afford a proper industrial/commercial model. Benefit: it could be made by any clever teenager as a home project during the quarantine, and the parts are all obtainable locally or online. Downside: we have not had time to test it to determine how long it takes to sterilize the various items (?science fair project for said teenagers?). At the very worst, we suspect it is a safe, sterile cabinet to store soiled items during the standard cool-down periods

Purchase list

From Canadian Tire:

• Swordfish® UVC Whole Home Air Purification System (https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/swordfish-uvc-whole-home-air-purification-system-0643123p.html#srp)

or

• Honeywell Ultra Violet Air Treatment System Model # RUVLAMP1/U (https://www.homedepot.ca/product/honeywell-ultra-violet-air-treatment-system/1000491289)

and

• Rubbermaid 4 Tier All Purpose Shelf(https://www.homedepot.ca/product/rubbermaid-4-tier-all-purpose-shelf/1000679703)

• Reflectix Bubble Pack 4'x10'(https://www.homedepot.ca/product/reflectix-bubble-pack-4-x10-/1000407995)

• Reflectix Foil Tape 2"x30'(https://www.homedepot.ca/product/reflectix-foil-tape-2-x30-/1000167778?rec=true)

• Commercial Electric 14-inch UV Cable Tie - Black (100-Pack) (https://www.homedepot.ca/product/commercial-electric-14-inch-uv-cable-tie-black-100-pack-/1000762933)

• velcro

Build basics

• enclose the shelving unit on back, sides, bottom and top with the reflective bubble packing, securing it with zip ties

• build a "door jamb" and a top-hinged curtain door for the front face. Curtain should overlap side edges of door jamb

• seal all corners and seams with the aluminim tape

• punch a side hole to insert the bulb assembly. We used a scrap board to provide secure mounting

• mount velcro on the curtain edges to be able to lososely seal door (we used hot glue)

This is a rough but servicable design, achievable anywhere. Later, we will publish a "full build" using aluminum components. Spread the word, and stay safe out there. Feedback appreciated at thislooksinfected@gmail.com