People and Places
Launch of personal handheld device to help limit the spread of COVID-19 With the world in the midst of a global pandemic, a team of engineers at Sylatech stepped away from their usual projects and focused on a new challenge, creating a personal handheld device that limits your contact with potentially contaminated surfaces when out and about.
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ylatech has launched the KeepSafe, which enables users to avoid touching handles and buttons or grabbing items unnecessarily. Whether you are in a hospital, in a shop or using a cash machine, the device can be used as a simple hooking or pushing mechanism so that the user does not need to touch potentially contaminated surfaces with their hands or fingers. As it fits on a key ring, it can always be with you when you’re out and about. Crucially, the KeepSafe is manufactured from a copper-based alloy, which is antimicrobial, and it is known from laboratory tests that copper is highly effective in killing a broad range of bacteria, fungi and viruses. The MB1 copper alloy has been scientifically proven by the University of Southampton to
kill the coronavirus within 10 minutes, providing an extra level of confidence. Charlie Breese, Sylatech’s Managing Director, commented: “Our aim for the KeepSafe is simple – to help limit the spread of Covid-19 and to reduce potential exposure to the virus. It has good application use with door handles, light switches, toilet levers, taps and more.” He added that “the KeepSafe is not a substitute for regular and thorough handwashing, but an extra weapon in the fight against this invisible enemy.” Having known of the antimicrobial properties of copper for some time, Sylatech developed this product very quickly with support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub. Andrew Raby, the Growth Hub Manager, said:
“We’re keen to support this project because the product helps to protect frontline staff against the coronavirus threat, as well as potentially securing manufacturing jobs and enabling good growth for the business.” Medilink West Midlands was introduced to Sylatech when the company answered a call from West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA), who joined forces with local councils and business groups to support the supply demand for PPE during the initial height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sylatech took advantage of Medilink WM’s B2B Opportunities Service and posted an opportunity for a distributor of their KeepSafe device. Worcestershirebased Safe Options Ltd responded and has now added the KeepSafe to complement their existing product range.
The benefits of using antimicrobial alloys are clear in reducing disease-causing bacteria, so Sylatech is pushing for their increased use within healthcare facilities and wider applications such as cash machines, ticket machines and much more.
www.thekeepsafe.co.uk
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Issue 19
