Protection against

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

The spread of COVID-19 and their buildings. it was known that bacteria could has sent a shockwave of Care homes and healthcare remain active on common contact concern across the world. environments, in particular, have surfaces for days – including door It has acted as a wakeup always been on high alert. With the handles and grab rails, transmitting call for everyone - from elderly and ill being at a higher risk from person to person. This poses government and healthcare officials of developing severe health problems an added challenge for facility to the general public and facility due to the spread of harmful viruses managers. managers. There’s a renewed and bacteria, it’s imperative that their How can facility managers take appreciation for maintaining safe facilities are kept as safe and sterile steps to prevent the spread of and sterile environments, and this is as possible. bacterial infections such as E.coli, especially true for facility managers Even before the viral pandemic, S.aureus and MRSA?

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 percent of infections are transmitted through the environment. Yet, in a detailed 2018 report conducted by Allegion UK, it highlighted that only 71 percent of healthcare facilities use environmental cleaning as a method to prevent the spread of infection. In addition, only 52 percent 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 antibacterial 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

Under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 act, 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 inbuilt antibacterial properties. Antimicrobial coating for example, is 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, he¬¬lping prevent germ build-up, and significantly reducing crosscontamination 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. Again, some exit devices also include an added antimicrobial coating, which helps provide protection against the growth of bacteria and micro-organisms. Aside from aiding egress, these products are ideal for use in sterile environments such as operating rooms and cleanrooms.

Karen Trigg

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 coating is not a substitute for good hygiene, by raising the standards of door hardware and infection control, we can fight the invisible threats more effectively. Not only will it help contain the spread of germs and bacteria, but taking this step will help to secure your premises and leave you well prepared for the future.

For further information please visit

www.allegion.com

from

REACH out with Samsung.

Grant students access to important campus information, news and updates directly to their in-room TVs with Samsung REACH. The Samsung REACH software on Samsung Hospitality TV is easily updateable and allows you to provide students with informative content on anything from key local contacts and timetables, to student union promotions and society news. And with Samsung SIRCH, you can manage all this content as well as the TV settings, quickly and easily from one central point. SIRCH provides fl exible management and control over groups of TVs across a whole estate or campus. You can control settings such as limiting volume and updating channel lists, even when TVs are in use, meaning no interruption for users. So SIRCH no longer and REACH out to your students with the Samsung Hospitality Solution. For friendly, professional advice and a competitive quotation please contact us on 0845 555 1212 or info@airwave.tv

DELIVERING YOUR VISION

I

www.airwave.tv

In partnership with