Edinburgh airport has upgraded its security tray return systems with antimicrobial technology.
The trays are being provided by information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader Leidos, and is the first order of the technology which is designed “to mitigate the spread of bacteria from person-to-surface contact”.
According to Leidos the technology is built into the trays during the manufacturing process, and “continuously minimizes the presence of microbes throughout the security tray’s lifecycle”.
The trays “prevent reproduction of a broad spectrum of bacteria, including staphylococcus aureus (staph), E. coli, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE, by 99.99 per cent”, and the firm added that “The antimicrobial security trays must be cleaned according to normal hygiene procedures, but the additive will not wash off or wear away”.
Commenting on the news Maria Hedden, senior vice president and operation manager for Leidos’ Security Detection and Automation Operation, said:
“Edinburgh Airport’s leadership recognizes the increased risk of the virus spreading from the number of travellers and staff handling security trays every day, and I commend them for implementing antimicrobial security tray technology.
“Leidos is proud to support the place where Scotland meets the world with security detection and automation technology solutions that are fast, frictionless and fully integrated.”
Last week Edinburgh airport published a series of measures it has taken in the light of Covid-19, as part of a “Let’s all flysafe” campaign as airlines begin to resume services.
Measures include one-way colour-coded systems to manage flow and social distancing, hand sanitising stations inside and outside the airport, protective screens at check-in, security and arrivals, enhanced cleaning schedules and new ‘fogging’ machines to disinfect trollies and wheelchairs.
The airport is also trialling temperature checks for departing passengers, and both staff and passengers are required to wear face coverings. Staff in passenger facing areas will also wear PPE.
New way-finding signage has been introduced at the airport, in sky blue, maroon red and lime green colours, both to stand out from regular materials, and also to help those who are colour-blind to distinguish between different routes.
