Sean Frisky (left) stands with Ron Woytowich and a Sanozone machine. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

sanitation device

Ozone disinfection devices arrive at La Ronge’s Kikinahk Friendship Centre

Dec 15, 2020 | 5:15 PM

La Ronge’s Kikinahk Friendship Centre has two new disinfection devices designed to eliminate the coronavirus.

That’s according to Executive Director Ron Woytowich, who purchased the ozone-generating machines through funding by the federal government. The larger of the two devices, which costs approximately $60,000, can completely sanitize a building the size of Kikinahk while the smaller unit, at $25,000, is meant for ambulances, buses and other small spaces.

“We definitely want to believe it is going to make a difference,” Woytowich said. “Quite frankly, everyone is scared of coronavirus, everyone is scared of getting it, but the benefits of this machine is not only can we use it for this virus, but it kills mold and everything else that is common.”

Woytowich explained the Sanozone systems will be used to clean spaces throughout the Kikinahk building, the Scattered Site Outreach Program space, as well as Drifters Motel where the homeless shelter currently operates. The smaller system will be used to sanitize Kikinahk buses.

“If anything, it makes a person feel better that we went that one extra step,” Woytowich said. “We just have to figure out how often we are going to use it.”

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

55m ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

16h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

20h ago

According to Sanozone Owner Sean Frisky, the device is an automated disinfection system that will completely eliminate the coronavirus. He explained the devices can’t be used while people are inside the space as it fills the area with ozone gas at a specific concentration level. Frisky said ozone gas is stronger than chlorine and it works by oxidizing and deactivating the virus.

This smaller device is used for ambulances, buses and other small spaces. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“We’re based in Regina and we develop technology for oil and gas for water treatment, but when the coronavirus came around, we decided we knew what would work for it, which was ozone,” he said. “We partnered with Geotech Consultants out of Saskatoon and developed this process.”

Frisky described the Sanozone systems as new technology and that he’s currently in the process of marketing it. He noted so far there has been a demand from casinos, mine sites and public spaces such as Kikinahk.

“There’s no chemical used, it’s just ozone gas generated in the machine,” Frisky said. “There’s no residual. When it’s done, it all coverts back to oxygen.”

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno