4 | AUGUST 2020
News
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
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. 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 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?
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 crosscontamination
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 buildup,
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.
www.allegion.co.uk
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/