CLEANING CASH AND DOCUMENTS IS BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Cash, be it banknotes or coins, is teeming with bacteria. Alongside shopping carts and courier packages, cash in any form is considered a fomite. This is an inanimate vehicle that can carry almost any pathogen. One of the most common pathogens is known as Propionibacterium acnes, a microbe that causes acne breakouts. This became more apparent when researchers analysed a one-dollar bill from Manhattan, New York, and found incredibly large traces of faeces and bacteria – not something you want to be holding in your hand or wallet for long periods.

The fear and awareness of how bacteria-ridden banknotes are increased considerably after the rise of COVID-19. People realised the importance of hand hygiene and how easy it is for bacteria to pass from one person to another. As a result, business owners and banks have begun looking for effective ways to clean banknotes and coins to keep their business, staff and customers safe.

They found the answer in UV sterilisation.

UV sterilisation has been used for many years and can destroy a whole list of pathogens in a matter of seconds. But how does it work in a small business setting? Can we use it at home? We’ll answer these questions by breaking down how UV sterilisation works and how you can use it to protect your business.

How Does UV Sterilisation Work?

Ultraviolet light, also known as UV light, is made up of rays produced by the sun. UV lamps or UV sterilisation equipment can mimic UV light and be used for various purposes. There are three spectrums of UV light:

• UVA
• UVB
• UVC

The UVC spectrum is the strongest of all the three spectrums, with wavelengths of light from 200 to 280 nanometres. This wavelength can penetrate and break down the genetic material inside pathogens, making them inactive. While UVA and UVB can do the same thing, they require longer exposure due to the reduced wavelength.

The UVC spectrum has been used in various industries, especially in the medical field, to destroy germs and sanitise equipment without causing any harm to humans. Overexposure to UVC can cause skin ailments, the same as standing in the sun for long periods of time would cause. But limited exposure to any UV light is not harmful. This is why it’s an effective way to disinfect items we use every day.

Can UV Lamps Kill the Coronavirus?

In simple terms, yes, it can. In a study on the effectiveness of ultraviolet radiation against the coronavirus, UV radiation can destroy the outer protein coating of the virus. Without the outer protein layer, the virus is deemed inactivated and will not spread to another surface.

While UV radiation can inactivate the virus, it’s important to know the limitations and that it’s only effective when used correctly. These are the limitations you should be aware of:

• Direct exposure – UV radiation can only inactivate a virus if the virus is directly exposed to the radiation.
• Dose and duration – For safety reasons, many UV lamps made for home use are lower in strength. This means the surface will require longer exposure to eliminate any bacteria or viruses potentially.

UV sterilisation is especially effective on banknotes due to the flat surface of the notes. Unless dust or mud covers the banknotes or coins, UV radiation will be able to disinfect the entire surface in a short time. The process will also require less time on any other objects with a flat surface, like envelopes, files, packages and even casino chips.

How Do I Use This In My Business?

For instance, suppose your business involves heavy cash flow – perhaps you manage a bank or school, or own a restaurant or retail shop. In that case, you should consider investing in a disinfection cabinet that can clean and sanitise your cash before it exchanges hands.

One such cabinet is Deposita’s Banknote Disinfection Cabinet. This is a sturdy unit made of high-quality material that provides a full range of disinfection coverage using UV light and ozone. The cabinet works to disinfect all surfaces of the banknote, which gives it a 99.99% cleaning efficiency. Ozone is a naturally powerful oxidising agent that can break down the chemical bonds of any organic compound like mould or dirt.

By using a combination of an intense UV lamp and ozone, the cabinet can destroy any bacteria, mould, viruses and parasites without causing damage to the banknotes. As it’s in an enclosed cabinet that doesn’t require constant physical contact, it’s also safe for humans.

Deposita Can Help Your Business

With the continuing widespread uncertainty of the pandemic, it’s important to take all measures possible to ensure the safety of your business, staff and customers. Banknotes and coins are notoriously covered in germs, leading to the spread of viruses and illnesses.

While you can opt for contactless payment and social distancing, it’s almost impossible to pause the use of cash in any business completely. Instead, try sourcing for other means of cleaning or disinfecting so you can continue running your business without disruptions.

Are you interested in finding out if Deposita’s Banknote Disinfection Cabinet is for you? Book a free consultation with us or purchase a cabinet, Book here.