Technical field

The present invention refers to a method for performing, tracking and controlling disinfection of a confined environment and of the objects contained therein.

Background art

In the field of sanitation, disinfection of surfaces in confined spaces is conventionally performed following pre-established operating procedures manually performed by an operator, which include applying chemical disinfectant products on surfaces of confined spaces, rinsing and drying the surfaces. The traceability of disinfection activities of the surfaces in confined spaces is carried out manually by an operator. In particular, the operator manually notes in a special register both the frequency and the results of the disinfection procedures carried out on the confined environment.

The traceability of the disinfection carried out manually by the operator may be subject to errors both in transcribing information regarding the disinfection procedure in the register, and in evaluating the validity of the disinfection procedure that has been carried out. Such registration and evaluation errors make the manual traceability method unreliable. Furthermore, errors in the traceability of disinfection may also have consequences on the health of the operator and on safety of the activities to be carried out within the confined environment after the disinfection procedures.

To overcome these drawbacks, a few recently proposed solutions suggest performing disinfection procedures of confined spaces by nebulization devices.

WO 2014/006577 A1 discloses a system for reducing bacterial content in a confined environment, comprising a nebulization device that delivers a decontaminating agent for a time calculated on the basis of information including the volume of the confined environment in which it is contained and the technical specifications of the decontaminating agent to be dispensed. Furthermore, the system described in WO 2014/006577 A1 is able to assess the concentration of the decontaminating agent in the confined environment and, therefore, to certify the conformity or non-conformity of the disinfection procedure of the confined environment.

Summary of the invention

A general object of the present invention is to guarantee bacterial decontamination of confined environments including the surfaces of objects and equipment, and to prevent or at least limit the bacterial diffusion and contamination of already sanitized environments, especially in structures with a plurality of environments to keep sanitized.

A particular object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of the traceability of disinfection procedures.

According to another aspect, the present invention aims at reducing waste of the decontaminating agent used for the sanitization of confined environments.

These and other objects and advantages, which will be better understood hereinafter, are achieved according to the present invention by a method and a system having the features defined in the appended claims.

In summary, the present invention is based on a method for carrying out, tracing and controlling airborne disinfection of the surfaces of a confined environment and the objects contained therein. The proposed method includes the steps of:

- associating to a confined environment an environmental identification device configured to contain identifying information about the confined environment and its volume;

- providing in the confined environment a plurality of objects, each equipped with an associated recognition means containing information identifying the object;

- providing a sanitizing apparatus in the confined environment to dispense airborne decontaminating agents,

- acquiring identification information about the confined environment from the environmental identification device, acquiring information from said recognition means associated with the objects, acquiring information about a decontaminating agent to be dispensed into the confined environment, and processing said acquired information by control and processing means;

- dispensing said decontaminating agent in the air by a diffuser element of the sanitizing apparatus for a dispensing time calculated by the control and processing means on the basis of the acquired information;

- detecting the concentration of airborne decontaminating agent in the confined environment; and

- providing certification information, depending on the detected concentration of decontaminating agent, certifying that the surfaces of the confined environment and the objects contained therein and associated with the recognition means have been disinfected during the dispensing step.

The expected qualitative result (disinfection, high disinfection or sterilization) is guaranteed by monitoring the concentration of the airborne product. As better explained hereinafter, the method allows documenting that the contact time between the airborne product and the surfaces contained in the confined environment, at a set concentration, has taken place in compliance with a predefined quality standard. Usually, reference is made to the EN standards followed in the experimental / registration phase. Furthermore, the method guarantees that the time for restoring the minimum safety conditions has been checked.

Brief description of the drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the detailed description of some embodiments thereof, provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a confined environment in which there are an environmental identification device, a plurality of objects, and a sanitizing apparatus;

Figure 2 is a front view of an environmental identification device comprising memory means;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sanitizing apparatus for dispensing decontaminating agents;

Figure 4A is a perspective view of an identification sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4B is a perspective view of a recognition means according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 represents a graph showing a trend of a decontaminating agent concentration during the disinfection process.

Detailed description

Referring initially to Figure 1, an embodiment of a system for performing, tracking, monitoring and controlling disinfection by air of surfaces of a confined environment 1 and objects contained therein is first described.

Typically, the confined environment 1 may be a confined hospital environment, such as an operating room. The confined environment 1 may also be a confined industrial environment, and/or a confined public environment, such as an office, and/or a confined private environment, such as a domestic environment.

The system comprises at least one environmental identification device 2, an identification device 16 of a decontaminating agent 10, a plurality of recognition means 5, a sanitizing apparatus 3, first identification sensor means 4, second sensor means 8, a detection sensor 11, and control and processing means 17, 19.

Preferably, the environmental identification device 2 is located inside the confined environment 1, and may be placed in a fixed and/or removable manner. The environmental identification device 2 is configured to contain and make available information that uniquely identifies the confined environment 1.

The environmental identification device 2 may be internally equipped with memory means 7, known per se, inside which there may be a writable printed circuit 12, or an identification QR Code 13 (Figure 2). In a preferred embodiment, the information contained in the environmental identification device 2 may be information regarding the architecture of the confined environment 1, such as information about its volume.

In addition, the environmental identification device 2 may contain information about frequency of execution of the decontamination treatment carried out in the confined environment 1.

According to an embodiment, the identification device 16 of the decontaminating agent 10 may be located on a collection tank 15 of the decontaminating agent 10.

The identification device 16 of the decontaminating agent 10 may include a label inside which there may be a writable printed circuit 12, or an identification QR Code 13.

Information about the decontaminating agent 10 contained in the identification device 16 may comprise the type of decontaminating agent to be diffused, and/or its optimal dispensing concentration.

The confined environment 1 contains a plurality of objects, each of which is associated with an individual recognition means 5.

The objects contained within the confined environment 1 may be fixed in the confined environment 1 and/or movable, therefore transportable from a confined environment to another confined environment.

In applications where the confined environment 1 is part of a hospital environment, the objects contained in the confined environment 1 may be, by way of example but not limited to, medical devices, such as a bed, a defibrillator, an electrocardiograph and the like.

Each recognition means 5 associated with an object contained in the confined environment 1 may contain and provide identifying information about the object to which it is associated. Each recognition means 5 may include a writable printed circuit 12 and/or an identification QR Code 13.

In a preferred embodiment, the information contained in each of the recognition means 5 associated with objects contained in the confined environment 1 may include information about the volume of the object associated with it.

The sanitizing apparatus 3 is equipped with a diffuser 9 for dispensing airborne decontaminating agents 10 in confined environments 1 (Figure 3).

The specific constructional and functional features of the mechanical parts of the sanitizing apparatus 3 (which may be, for example, those disclosed in WO 2014/006577 Al, incorporated herein by reference) are not relevant for understanding the present invention; therefore, they will not be described in detail herein. The exemplary sanitizing apparatus illustrated in Figure 3 comprises a tank 15 configured to contain the decontaminating agent 10, a feeding cannula 14 configured to collect the decontaminating agent 10 from the tank 15, and an electric motor 18 associated with a fan (not shown). Due to a Venturi effect, the fan collects the decontaminating agent from the tank 15 through the cannula 14 and sucks in air from the confined environment 1, mixes the decontaminating agent proportionally to the sucked air and emits into the environment, through the diffuser 9, a mixture of air and nebulized decontaminating agent.

Preferably, the diffuser 9 is provided with a diffuser nozzle made to mix, according to a predetermined proportion, air and decontaminating agents 10 in the form of dry fog.

According to an embodiment, the sanitizing apparatus 3 may be equipped with a diffuser nozzle associated with a system for calibrating the quantity of decontaminating agent 10 which is sucked in by the electric blower motor 18 and transformed into dry fog through a number of inclined ducting holes at the outlet of the mixed air, generating a centrifugal turbulence that facilitates the dispersion in the environment of particles with dimensions between 2 and 10 microns, preferably 5 microns, avoiding their deposit on the surfaces and creation of humidity.

The first identification sensor means 4 (Figure 4A) may be configured to acquire the identification information about the objects located within the confined environment 1, contained in the recognition means 5 (Figure 4B) associated with these objects.

In certain embodiments the first identification sensor means 4 may modulate the width of the search range for objects as a function of the volumetric dimension of the confined environment 1 to be sanitized in which the sanitizing apparatus 3 is placed each time. The search range of the identification sensors means 4 may increase or decrease according to the acquired data relating to the volume of the confined environment, based on the data made available by the environmental identification device 2.

The second sensor means 8 may be configured to acquire the identifying information about the confined environment 1 contained in the environmental identification device 2 and to acquire the identifying information about the decontaminating agent 10, to be diffused in the confined environment 1, contained in the identification device 16 of the decontaminating agent 10.

In an embodiment, the second sensor means 8 may comprise a transponder.

The first sensor means 4 and the second sensor means 8 may comprise sensors configured for reading labels with RFID technology, and/or QR code.

The first sensor means 4, the second sensor means 8, the detection sensor 11 for detecting the concentration of decontaminating agent 10, and the control and processing means 17, 19 may be mounted on the sanitizing apparatus 3.

In certain embodiments the first sensor means and the second sensor means coincide, so that a single sensor or reader (for example, an RFID sensor) may be used both to identify the objects 5 and acquire the identifying information about the confined environment 1. The detection sensor 11 is configured to detect the concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air-dispersed from the diffuser 9 of the sanitizing apparatus 3 inside the confined environment 1.

The control and processing means 17, 19 are configured to store and process the identifying information about the objects contained in the confined environment 1 acquired by the first sensor means 4, the information of the confined environment 1 and the identifying information of the decontaminating agent 10 acquired by the second sensor means 8, and the information on the concentration of air-dispersed decontaminating agent in the confined environment 1 acquired by the detection sensor 11.

In addition, the control and processing means 17, 19 may be configured to supervise operation and/or coordinate the activity of the sanitizing apparatus 3 as a whole, and, in particular, to supervise operation and/or control the activity of the diffuser 9 and all associated devices for its startup, operation, and shutdown.

The control and processing means 17, 19 are configured to make certification information available and certify whether the objects contained in the confined environment have been disinfected or not, according to the concentration of decontaminating agent 10 detected by the detection sensor 11.

The system may be associated, in a per se known manner, to a central server 6 configured to coordinate the activity of the various devices of the system.

The central server 6 may be configured to receive information about the disinfection process of the surfaces of the confined environment 1 and of the objects contained therein, and, in particular, the certification information made available by the control and processing means 17, 19 on compliance or noncompliance of the disinfection of the surfaces of the confined environment 1 and of the objects contained therein during the dispensing of the decontaminating agent 10.

The certification information may be transmitted to the central server 6, for example via Bluetooth, sms, gprs and other telecommunication technologies, or via cable. As an alternative, the certification information may be loaded from the sanitizing apparatus 3 onto a removable memory medium such as a USB key, and then transmitted to the server.

In certain embodiments, a transponder 8, in addition to acting as a second sensor means for acquiring identification information about the confined environment, is configured to transmit the certification information processed by the control and processing means 17, 19 to the central server 6.

Data acquired by the central server 6 may be processed by the central server 6 itself to highlight anomalies with respect to the expected objective and certify the disinfection activities that have been performed and their history, in accordance with a pre-established control plan and with the creation of an "operational technical dossier" defined for each individual disinfected object 5 (for example, a medical device) and for each disinfected confined environment.

The steps of a method for performing, tracking and controlling airborne disinfection of surfaces of a confined environment 1 and of the objects contained therein will now be described.

First, the environmental identification device 2 configured to contain identifying information about the confined environment 1 and its volume is provided in the confined environment 1 or in its proximity. A plurality of objects is arranged in the confined environment 1, each object being equipped with an associated means of recognition 5 which contains identifying information about the object, such as its volume. Then, the sanitizing apparatus 3, configured to dispense the airborne decontaminating agent 10, is placed in the confined environment. Identification information about the confined environment 1 contained in the environmental identification device 2 is then acquired by the second sensor means 8; identification information about the objects is acquired from the recognition means 5 associated with the objects by the first sensor means 4 and identification information about the decontaminating agent 10 to be diffused in the confined environment 1 is acquired from the identification means 16 of the decontaminating agent 10 by the second sensor means 8. Finally, acquired information is processed by the control and processing means 17, 19.

In other words, the sanitizing apparatus 3 first identifies the environment in which it is positioned. Then, it identifies the quantity of objects present inside the room to determine air volume in the room and, based on this, sets the dispensing time of the decontaminating agent 10. According to a preferred embodiment, it subtracts the volume of the identified objects to the volume of the environment, resulting in the volume of air to be treated.

Subsequently, the decontaminating agent 10 is airborne delivered by the diffuser 9 of the sanitizing apparatus 3 for a dispensing time calculated by the control and processing means 17, 19 based on acquired information. The concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air- dispersed in the confined environment 1 is detected by the detection sensor 11.

Finally, according to the concentration of decontaminating agent detected in the confined environment 1 by the detection sensor 11, the control and processing means 17, 19 provide certification information, which certifies disinfection of the surfaces of the confined environment 1 and of the objects contained therein and associated with the recognition means 5 during dispensing of the decontaminating agent 10.

Preferably, the dispensing time may be calculated based on the type of decontaminating agent 10 that is delivered and on the volume of air contained in the confined environment 1.

The dispensing time may be calculated by the control and processing means 17, 19 provided on the sanitizing apparatus 3, preferably on the basis of the volume of air in the environment (depending on the quantity of objects detected by the recognition means 5) and the type of decontaminating agent that is dispensed.

Preferably, the sanitizing apparatus 3 defines the preliminary dose of decontaminating agent 10 to be dispensed in order to achieve the presumed optimal concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air-dispersed in the confined environment 1.

Air volume in the confined environment 1 is preferably calculated by subtracting the volume occupied by the objects contained therein from the volume of the confined environment 1, since these data are contained in the recognition means 5 and read by the first sensor means

4.

In an alternative embodiment, air volume in the confined environment 1 may be calculated as a percentage of the volume of the confined environment 1.

Checking of compliance of the treatment takes place through the detection sensor 11 of the airborne product, operationally associated with the control and processing means 17, 19, which coordinate activation and deactivation of the decontaminating agent dispensing device.

In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air-dispersed in the confined environment 1 may be periodically or continuously monitored during dispensing by the detection sensor 11.

In certain embodiments method comprises modulating the dispensing step, regulating switching off and on of the sanitizing apparatus 3 so that the air-dispersed decontaminating agent remains in contact with the surfaces to be sanitized for an overall prescribed duration (or contact time hereinafter), with concentration values not lower than a predetermined minimum threshold concentration value.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus 3 is configured to extend the dispensing time of the decontaminating agent if, during the dispensing step, the detection sensor 11 signals that the concentration of air-dispersed decontaminating agent is lower than a predetermined minimum threshold concentration value.

As an alternative, or in addition, according to another embodiment, the apparatus 3 is configured to extend the dispensing time of decontaminating agent by switching on again to resume dispensing of decontaminating agent if, once the dispensing time calculated by the control and processing means 17, 19, and once the dispensing has ceased, data made available by the detection sensor 11 indicate that during the previous dispensing step, the concentration of air-dispersed decontaminating agent was lower than a predetermined concentration value minimum threshold. Alternative embodiments comprise verifying achievement of the concentration of decontaminating agent once the calculated dispensing time has elapsed.

Certification that disinfection of the surfaces of the confined environment 1 and of the objects contained therein has taken place may include a graph 24 (figure 5) which shows a curve 20 representing variation over time of the concentration of air-dispersed decontaminating agent in the confined environment 1 during the disinfection procedure.

The graph indicates an optimal concentration value 21a, a minimum concentration value 21b, and a maximum concentration value 21c, defined according to the decontaminating agent 10 delivered during the disinfection.

In addition, the graph 24 indicates a starting time 22a, in which the concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air-dispersed in the confined environment 1 reaches the optimal concentration value 21a.

The graph 24 indicates a peak time 22c, in which the concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air-dispersed in the confined environment 1 reaches the maximum concentration value 21c. At this time instant, the apparatus 3 stops dispensing decontaminating agent 10.

In addition, the graph 24 indicates an ending time 22b, in which the concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air-dispersed in the confined environment 1 reaches the minimum concentration value 21b.

Preferably, the graph 24 further indicates contact time 26 of the surfaces of the confined environment 1 and of the objects contained therein with the decontaminating agent 10. The contact time 26 may be calculated as the difference between the ending time 22b and starting time 22a.

The graph 24 may further indicate a safety time 25, in which the concentration of decontaminating agent 10 air-dispersed in the confined environment 1 reaches the zero- concentration value, and/or restoration of environmental safety conditions.

Finally, the graph 24 may indicate a decay time 23 of the concentration of air-dispersed decontaminating agent. The decay time 23 may be calculated as the difference between the safety time 25 and the ending time 22b.

According to an embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises checking that the contact time of the decontaminating agent used and concentrated in the environment is maintained for a time necessary to guarantee the effectiveness certified in a previous testing and validation phase of the chemical product at the time of its official registration. In order to declare, for example, that a chemical product is a disinfectant, it is known that it is necessary to demonstrate how much of chemical product must be used (concentration) and how long it must remain in contact with the surface (contact time) to demonstrate its bactericidal ability.

For an optimal implementation of the method, the contact time 26, determined by the interval between the instants 22a and 22b, must be monitored and maintained for a predetermined duration.

The contact time 26 begins to run, during the dispensing step, at the instant in which the level 21a (optimal concentration value) is reached, and continues with reaching and exceeding the level 21c (maximum concentration value), which coincides with stopping dispensing (according to a dispensing time determined on the basis of the calculated air volume). The contact time 26 lasts until the level 21b (minimum concentration value) is reached. By way of example, with the dispensing of an active ingredient based on hydrogen peroxide H202, the contact time may be 20 minutes. Therefore, it is not sufficient that the detected decontaminant concentration reaches or exceeds a certain value, but the concentration must not fall below a minimum threshold concentration value (21b) for a predetermined duration (contact time 26).

In the example of figure 5, the graph 24 refers to a monitoring phase of the disinfection method performed in a confined sanitary environment 1, in which an active disinfectant based on hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 12% is airborne. The graph highlights: the saturation path of the concentration in parts per million until reaching the maximum concentration threshold 21c, normally between 40 ppm and 80 ppm, even more preferably in the amount of 60 ppm; the overall contact time 26 necessary to ensure the broad spectrum of action on viruses, fungi, bacteria and spores detected with instants 22a and 22b is between 10 and 30 minutes, even more preferably 20 minutes; the decay or degradation time 23, normally comprised between 30 and 180 minutes, even more preferably 60 minutes, suitable for restoring the minimum safety conditions 25 below 2 ppm of airborne chemical product 10.