HEALTH & SAFETY
Protection against infection
With the spread of infection now at the height of concern, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK highlights how door hardware can lend a hand in helping to slow the spread of bacteria
T
he 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
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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 that bacteria could remain active on common contact surfaces for days – including door handles and grab rails, transmitting from person to person. This poses an added challenge for facility managers. How can facility managers take steps to prevent the spread of bacterial infections such as E.coli, S.aureus and MRSA?
