[Courtesy of Silver Elevator Korea]
SEOUL -- Social distancing is almost impossible inside the elevator cabin and passengers can be exposed to viral particles during a short ride with those infected with a new coronavirus. Elevator buttons and side rails are a potential risk because of potential droplets containing the virus.
Elevators require careful quarantine because of the risk of spreading viruses. South Korean health officials advise elevator users to wear masks. In February, a Christian church minister spread COVID-19 to a 41-year-old woman in an apartment building elevator in Seoul. The two were in the same elevator without wearing masks.
Disinfectant and the attachment of antibacterial films are used to prevent the invasion of viruses into the elevator cabin. In a state-funded project, Silver Elevator Korea, the producer of premium elevators, escalators and moving walks, has developed a germ-free elevator using an ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system that can remove pollutants such as viruses and bacteria.
UV germicidal rays have a strong effect on sterilizing bacteria and viruses, but even healthy adults have problems when exposed to a certain amount of rays. To enhance safety, the new elevator called ASel carries out sterilization work on its own during non-operating hours.
ASel is a smart system based on internet of things technology and can be monitored by elevator managers through Android apps. An ion cluster provides pleasant air by adsorbing and decomposing odor molecules, microorganisms, germs and fungi in the air. It has an air cleaning function using filters and a crime prevention function through CCTV monitoring.
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