Signify, the world leader in lighting, has installed 280 Philips UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires at 40 branches of Slovakian drugstore chain dm, providing its customers and staff with an additional level of protection. The installations are part of a pilot phase that includes stores in Bratislava and the surrounding area, with other branches to follow soon. During the next phase of the project, dm also plans to install Philips UV-C disinfection upper air devices in the chain’s facilities for employees and the warehouse.
Michaela Dobšovičová, dm Customer, Bratislava, said: “I visit dm stores regularly due to their varied assortment. Now that we must pay more attention to our health and protect our loved ones, I am very pleased with the new installation of Philips UV-C disinfection lights in their stores. It provides me with a bit of peace of mind while shopping, knowing that they did their best to protect their clients.”
UV-C is a well-established method of disinfection, used to prevent the spread of diseases by disinfecting air, water, and surfaces. UV-C breaks down the DNA or RNA of microorganisms including, viruses and bacteria, rendering them harmless. In laboratory testing, Signify’s UV-C light sources reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity on a surface to below detectable levels in as few as 9 seconds.
Harsh Chitale, Division Leader Digital Solutions, Signify, said: “We’re happy with the installation of upper air luminaires at yet another retailer, as this illustrates the vast potential for additional protection measures in this market segment. It is one of the many places where UV-C disinfection lighting can have a meaningful contribution, now and in the future.”
