10.07.2020, 09:22
Another Barrier of Protection
Karen Trigg from Allegion UK presents the case for antimicrobial door and window hardware finishes.
The spread of COVID-19 has sent a shockwave of concern across the world. It has acted as a wakeup call for everyone – from government and healthcare officials to the general public and facility managers. There’s a renewed appreciation for maintaining safe and sterile environments, and this is especially true for facility managers and their buildings.
Care homes and healthcare environments, in particular, have always been on high alert. With the elderly and ill being at a higher risk of developing severe health problems due to the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria, it’s imperative that their facilities are kept as safe and sterile as possible.
Even before the viral pandemic, it was known pathogens (and particularly bacteria) can remain active on common contact surfaces for days – including door handles and grab rails, transmitting from person to person.
So how can facility managers prevent the spread of infection?
Well, alongside the primary infection control measures, such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, there are other ways in which facilities with high footfall can help protect against infection – with door hardware choices.
Bacteria and surfaces
Experts say that around 80 per cent of infections are transmitted through the environment. Yet, a detailed 2018 report conducted by Allegion UK highlighted that only 71 per cent of healthcare facilities use environmental cleaning as a method to prevent the spread of infection. In addition, only 52 per cent of the healthcare respondents believed their existing infection control measures to be robust and effective.
With this in mind, facility managers must look to improve their methods and seek additional ones too. Infection control precautions, including regular and thorough hand washing and surface cleansing, as well as the availability of anti-bacterial gel, is the first step in preventing the spread of bacteria and microorganisms.
In addition to safe hygiene practices, decision makers can go one further and take extra precautions by investing in hardware preventatives, such as antimicrobial coatings, that are designed to keep the spread of bacteria to a minimum – especially in buildings that need it the most such as hospitals, schools and care homes.
How to handle cross-contamination
In the UK, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Act requires facility managers have a duty to keep inhabitants safe and their environments clean. Now, more than ever, it’s integral for decision makers to think of additional ways to keep their premises hygienic.
The first touch point for anyone entering, exiting or moving around a building is the door hardware, hence why it can be the most contaminated area. So for that extra layer of protection, decision makers can use tailored door hardware with antibacterial properties. Antimicrobial coatings, for example, are specifically formulated to inhibit the growth of bacteria by interrupting cell multiplication and can go a long way in reducing the spread of bacteria.
Embedded within the nylon during production, anti-bacterial protection can’t be washed away or rubbed off. This provides effective and long-lasting defence, helping prevent germ build-up, and significantly reducing cross-contamination from contact areas.
Designed to provide immediate escape in an emergency, exit devices allow people to quickly leave a building without having to unlock the door, with exit devices often finished with an added antimicrobial coating to help protect against micro-organisms. Aside from aiding egress, these products are ideal for use in sterile environments such as operating rooms and cleanrooms.
Automating doors can also help to inhibit the spread of infection, especially in facilities with a high footfall. Automatic door sensors are used to activate operator devices fitted to the main access doors. In a surgery for example, these doors allow doctors and nurses to enter and exit the sterile area without touching any door handles or activation switches.
Investing in long-term door hardware products will help to protect your premises. And knowing that the premises is hygienic and cleaner will also help to improve staff satisfaction and productivity, leading to a well-organised, operated and efficient-running facility.
Invest now for a safer future
As a facility manager, it should be a continuous objective to ensure optimal health and safety for all people within your building(s). No matter the size of the premises, especially in the current climate, you should be confident that your facility is equipped to help prevent the spread of infection.
Although antimicrobial coatings are not a substitute for good hygiene, by raising the standards of door hardware and infection control, we can fight the invisible threats more effectively. Doing so will help contain the spread of germs and bacteria.
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