Sharp Corporation has begun installing approximately 10,000 industrial Plasmacluster Ion generators in Sharp offices and sales bases in Japan and abroad to help prevent a pandemic of new viruses.
Plasmacluster Ion generators are embedded with Sharp’s proprietary Plasmacluster Ion technology that decomposes and deactivates harmful airborne substances such as mold fungus, viruses, and allergens. Sharp will install two types of generators: the IG-820 (for approx. 23-m2 rooms) and the IG-840 (for approx. 50-m2 rooms). The generators use wide outlet louvers and airflow control technology to effectively send a high concentration of Plasmacluster Ions—25,000 ions/cm3 (at high airflow setting)—to every corner of a room, thoroughly deactivating harmful airborne substances in offices and conference rooms.
In April 2008, Sharp set up a committee for dealing with new viruses (chaired by the Executive Vice President in charge of General Administration), the aim of which is to ensure the safety of employees and their families and to keep company business running smoothly. If the World Health Organization (WHO) or the government declares that we are in Phase 4* of a pandemic, Sharp has Crisis Management Rooms and Crisis Management Centers in Japan and abroad that will play a central role in managing countermeasures.
It is thought that viruses transmitted among animals, especially from bird to bird, may mutate and become new viruses that infect humans as well. There are fears that this phenomenon will occur in the near future.
Through the in-house installation of Plasmacluster Ion generators, Sharp is working to ensure even greater safety for its employees and their families as well as smooth continuation of business for the company.
Plan for Installation at Sharp Bases in Japan and Abroad
| For the Safety of Employees |
| (1) |
Prepare supplies.
Masks, thermometers, Plasmacluster Ion generators, etc. |
| (2) |
Set up guidelines for overseas travel, establish standards for allowing entry to Sharp bases. |
| (3) |
Thoroughly educate employees.
Construct Web site to provide information on new viruses, prepare manual on preventative measures, etc.
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| (4) |
Assess safety status of employees through mobile phone messaging system, etc. |
| For the Smooth Continuation of Business |
| (1) |
Determine which essential work/jobs must be continued, consider alternative employment systems, such as allowing employees to work at home.
|
| (2) |
Consider alternative manufacturing facilities. |
| (3) |
Consider alternative sources for material/parts procurement. |
| * |
The World Health Organization (WHO) issues a Phase 4 alert if it has proof of human-to-human spread of a virus. We are currently in Phase 3, meaning there has been no human-to-human transmission or, at most, only rare instances of transmission after close contact. |
| The above information is true and accurate at the time of publication. Manufacture, sale, price and specifications of products may be subject to change. |
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