Tampere Hall treated with photocatalytic coating to protect against viruses and bacteria

The premises and contact surfaces of Tampere Hall have been given a long-lasting, self-disinfecting photocatalytic coating. The surface treatment carried out in June destroys bacteria and viruses. Nanoksi coating now covers the indoor spaces of Tampere Hall, including all door handles, tables and chairs, event and public spaces as well as toilet facilities. In addition, the sheet music stands of Tampere Philharmonic were sprayed with the protective agent. Tampere Hall, the Moomin Museum and Restaurant Tuhto opened their doors again at the beginning of June. Conference customers are currently able to organise events for 10-500 people at Tampere Hall throughout the summer as long as they observe social distancing measures and other safety regulations. – We have done our utmost to safeguard hygiene. All our operations and decisions are guided by the health and safety of our customers and staff. For this reason, all operators at Tampere Hall wanted to use this advanced coating extensively throughout the premises, says Paulina Ahokas, Managing Director of Tampere Hall. The photocatalytic coating disinfects itself when exposed to light and forms an extremely hard wear-resistant coating. The coating is safe and does not harm people or the environment. The coating may be of significant benefit in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic, as studies show that the coronavirus is transmitted not only via droplets but also via surfaces. – Our large facilities ensure that people can also maintain their distance from others during events, and we can also divide parallel events into several different spaces. As a result, social distancing can be observed and flows of people can be staggered. People really miss the company of other people as well as events and encounters, Paulina Ahokas says. The photocatalytic coating also improves the safety of Tampere Philharmonic. Their sheet music stands, among other things, have been treated with the coating. The orchestra is made up of nearly a hundred musicians. – It is important for us to be able to provide our musicians with the safest possible rehearsal and concert conditions. We want to do everything we can to ensure that musicians can practice safely in the summer and that they are then able to play the autumn concert programme in good health, says Juha Ahonen, General Manager of Tampere Philharmonic.

Effects of the coating last for years

The photocatalytic coating is significantly more effective than traditional disinfection. Disinfection only works until the substance has evaporated from any surfaces. An hour after traditional disinfection, the surface material has already begun to collect microbes. Photocatalysis also cleans indoor air efficiently and safely. It oxidises molecules that cause unpleasant odours and this destroys them. Cleaning can be resumed normally after the coating process. – Nanoksi Finland’s photocatalytic coating guarantees a high level of hygiene and thus prevents the spread of various viruses and diseases. The coating hardens and its effects last for about a year on contact surfaces and for up to ten years on walls. It has previously been widely used in healthcare environments and hospitals, says Olli Seppälä, Head of Sales of Nanoksi Finland. Text and photos: Anne Sivula Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere