Wall to wall hygiene
publication date: May 29, 2008
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author/source: David Harris
Wall protection can help to create hygienic, attractive and low maintenance healthcare buildings, says Tracey Welch, Product Manager for Gradus Wall Protection
Healthcare buildings are traditionally subject to high levels of pedestrian and wheeled traffic that can damage surfaces and décor, with significant cost and hygiene implications. Specifying the right wall protection system can prevent such damage, offering measurable benefits for hospitals, care homes and surgeries
Wall protection can protect surfaces such as walls, doors and corners from abrasion and impact damage, caused by patient and staff footwear as well as wheelchairs, buggies, beds and trolleys. By preventing dents, scuffs and scrapes, the overall appearance of a building is improved and the need for costly maintenance and repairs is reduced, extending the lifecycle of a building and minimising disruption to patient care. This also promotes a more hygienic environment, as damaged areas can become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria.
When specified correctly, wall protection can also improve building access to meet Approved Document M 2004 guidelines, in order to create inclusive healthcare environments in line with the duties outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Products can be specified in a broad spectrum of colours to provide visible contrast with the rest of a building’s interior. This can help to highlight protruding corners or columns, particularly to visually impaired people, as well as guide patients and visitors around a building. Different colours can also be used to identify different wards or departments.
Wall protection systems can be used throughout healthcare buildings to deliver these benefits.
Corners are one of the most vulnerable areas of a building and when damaged they look unattractive and become difficult to clean, so can harbour dirt and bacteria. Therefore, it is advisable to specify corner guards for healthcare environments that will limit damage caused by knocks and bumps.
Wall guards will also help to protect surfaces by absorbing any impact from beds, trolleys or mobile equipment, and dual or triple systems can be used where any damage is likely to be more extensive. When wall guards are specified in conjunction with PVC-u sheeting, a complete protection solution can be devised. Gradus InPro Sanparrel provides a durable and protective layer that is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. Available in a wide variety of colours, Sanparrel can be used in sheet form for total wall protection or it can be cut and formed into bespoke designs for individual surfaces and applications. This flexibility allows Sanparrel to be used as a design feature in its own right, making it an ideal choice for children’s wards or waiting rooms, where designs can incorporate fun features or directional signage.
In addition, PVC-u handrails can provide support for patients as well as offering surface protection in corridors and stairwells, for example. All Gradus PVC-u products are through coloured and textured to conceal the effects of cuts and abrasions. Fire rated to class B, the PVC-u range offers fungal and bacterial resistance, having been tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 846-1997. This is especially important for aiding infection control in healthcare environments, as handrails will be gripped by high numbers of building users.
Wall protection is also beneficial in back of house areas, such as canteens and kitchens, where heavy-duty protection is often required. Stainless steel products such as floor rails offer a hygienic, corrosion resistant solution that is easy to clean and which inhibits bacterial growth.
The PFI Queen’s Hospital in Romford is one healthcare building to benefit from a wall protection system. Gradus supplied and installed wall guards, bed protectors, corner guards and combi rails, as well as rubrails and Sanparrel PVC-u sheeting to protect wards, corridors and lift areas throughout the 4,500 room, 950 bed and 20 ward hospital. The wall protection system is helping to maintain a high quality ‘hotel like’ environment whilst keeping decoration costs to a minimum.
So, by selecting the appropriate combination of wall protection, healthcare specifiers can create healthy buildings that are cost effective to maintain and offer a peaceful, attractive environment for users.
Gradus offers a wide range of interior protection solutions for walls, doors and corners, ideal for healthcare buildings. For further information, please contact Gradus Customer Support on 01625 428922.
