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Reducing the risk of Corona Our luminous and tube heater systems, which do not move, are experiencing a infection in industrial buildings considerable growth of interest,” said a spokesperson. infection and aerosols, i.e., micro-droplets produced while talking, coughing and sneezing. When in contact with other people, we try to avoid this as much as possible by using masks. What works well outdoors can still become a risk in closed rooms.

A study at the renowned Hermann Rietschel Institute for Heating and Ventilation Technology at the Technical University of Berlin on the transmission time of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the air has produced interesting results on the length of time and distance travelled by the viruses. After 20 minutes, more than 50% of medium size particles (3 to 10 μm) were still found in the air. “Larger particles sink to the ground faster. Smaller particles follow the air flow and can remain in the air for quite a long time,” says Professor Martin Kriegel, Head of the Hermann Rietschel Institute, Department of Building Energy Systems.

“Another study shows that even larger droplets (>60 μm) can, under Heaters such as luminous or tube with infrared heating heaters transfer heat by means of electromagnetic waves, so-called Employers and employees are if the particles are emitted by a person strike, they are converted into heat, understandably concerned with one and it rises, spreads horizontally and the same principle as of the sun. fear at present – what is the risk of only then starts to settle. Possible Therefore, infrared heaters do not infection at work? Could the illness of horizontal air movements further require a carrier medium to transport an employee result in a forced closure intensify the spreading effect.” their energy. The heat is transferred of the company? Even if safety distances, Kriegel says (source: TU Berlin). from the heating system to the regular surface disinfection and part- employee’s area without any air time working models (including Does the healthier heater heat movement such as with conventional home office) are suitable measures without air? heating systems. That means it is also to reduce the risk of infection among Heating systems that work without air very economical. Radiant heaters employees, other hygiene guidelines movement, such as radiant heating thus avoid undesired air currents, have been in force in offices and systems, can significantly reduce the dust movement and heat cushions production buildings since the pandemic risk of infection, according to the studies. under the building’s ceiling. began, and even building equipment Schwank GmbH, the market leader Contact: Paul Devereux, such as heating systems must now for gas infrared radiant heaters, sees a Specification Manager, Hevac. be critically examined. trend in this. “Many of our prospective Tel: 01 - 419 1919;

SARS-CoV-2 viruses are carried by air customers evaluate a heating system Mobile: 086 - 173 8060; movement. It is known that Covid-19 now with a strong focus on minimising email: paul.devereux@hevac.ie infection occurs mainly via droplet spreading the risk of the corona virus. web: www.hevac.ie

infrared rays. Where the infrared rays certain circumstances, spread far into Heating systems that work without air movement, such as radiant heating systems, can a room. This is the case, for example, significantly reduce the risk of infection.