HARDWARE
HOW DOOR HARDWARE
SELECTION CAN HELP
PROTECT 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 HAS
sent a shockwave of concern across the
world. 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.
Care homes and healthcare environments,
in particular, have always been on high alert;
it’s imperative that their facilities are kept as
safe and sterile as possible.
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.
In addition to safe hygiene practices -
including regular and thorough hand washing
and surface cleansing, as well as the availability
of anti-bacterial gel - 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 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. 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.
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.
Sources: http://www.acornironmongery.com/products/Normbau/Nylon%20Door%20Hardware%202019.pdf, https://allegion.dcatalog.com/r/Allegion-UK-Catalogue/,
https://www.cleanlink.com/sm/article/Preventing-Cross-Contamination-A-Prescription-for-Clean--3582, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/,
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/12/what-coronavirus-covid-19-start-grow-peak/,
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/terrifying-data-behind-government-coronavirus-lockdown/
52 » AUG 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM