The HS system has been on trial at a leading laundry group and will be launched at the National Association of Theatre Nurses congress and exhibition, Harrogate, from October 7 to 9.

The system uses a sanitising formula developed by Prep Wipes, part of Quill, and used by the National Blood Service for sanitising wipes.

A machine fitted into the vehicle interior releases the formula as a fine dry mist designed to stick to all exposed surfaces without drenching them or making them sticky. This mist is then forced round the interior for a timed period, adjusted to suit the vehicle size, to ensure all surfaces are covered.

Once the vehicle doors are shut, the system is started by pressing a button on the outside of the van.

However as a safety measure should someone accidentally get caught in the van at the time, the machine inside has a built-in stop button and a siren will warn that spraying will start. But the company says the formula will not harm staff who do come into contact.

A counter gives a check that spraying has been done and this can be entered on the customer’s delivery note.