A Glasgow robotics expert is claiming to have created the first Covid-safe office in the city using innovative technology.
Stephen McCallion, chief executive at tax claims company ZLX, has worked with technology experts and scientists to create an office that should neutralise viral pathogens.
He has kitted out a 5,600 square foot office space in Tradeston with technology designed to reduce the threat of contact transmission.
The installed system changes the air a minimum of 10 times per hour and also has infrared heating panels which warm rooms, people and content without heating the air which can spread bacteria.
McCallion has partnered with LiquidNano, which specialises in nano-scale technologies for protective coatings for surfaces.
The company has been engaged in undertaking a risk assessment of the new offices sterilising products with Liquid Nano’s antiviral agent, which will sanitise multiple touch points in the kitchen, breakout areas, toilets and water coolers - providing protection for up to 10 days.
Staff will be issued with self-sterilising antimicrobial face masks to wear for their time in the office. The masks contain a coating of LiquidNanos’s sterilising agent.
A study carried out by the University of Cambridge said 95% of the viral pathogens introduced to the fabric surface of the mask were killed within one hour and almost 100% after four hours.
McCallion said: "Once the vaccine programme is fully deployed and medicines are improved, the threat from the virus will be hugely diminished, however many scientists believe that we could be living with Covid-19 for many years, hence the people responsible for offices, shops, pubs and restaurants, and indeed any public buildings, will need to carefully consider the risk of the coronavirus spreading on their premises.
"Whilst ZLX is set up to help businesses reclaim cash through successful research and development claims, this initiative - the establishment of a Covid-safe work environment - may provide a helpful example of how to safely reopen.
"We intend to offer the blueprint to our clients and customers."
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