For healthcare associated infections to be reduced the design and choice of finishes in healthcare facilities should be based on a well-informed decision taken between the designers, builders and infection control teams.
In the performance requirements for building elements used in healthcare facilities (version 0.6) the Department of Health (DOH) outlines the necessary performance specifications for certain building elements within a hospital.
In the walls/partitions section of this document it states that:
- Smooth, hard, seamless and impervious surfaces are required in clinical areas as they are easier to clean
- Wall surfaces are to be free from fissures, open joints or crevices
- Wall finishes should not comprise materials that promote or sustain the growth of fungi and micro-organisms.
- Wall finishes are to mee the performance classification given in Health Technical Memorandum 05-02
- Wall finishes are to be durable and able to withstand minor impacts without the need for additional wall protection
- Wall finishes are to be impermeable and easily wiped over if necessary and not be physically affected or degraded by detergents or disinfectants.
Based on the criteria set out above the selection of Hygienic Coatings is critical. These coatings should be chosen taking into account the risk of contamination levels in the different healthcare departments.
This is made easier by the accompanying document to the DOH performance requirements, Category for room spaces which lists various examples of rooms within a hospital and gives recommendations as to the finish required for that room, this can be seen below. This table has been taken directly from the DOH website with the addition of the CS recommended Wallglaze product column: (Click the table to enlarge)
Developments made in products used for interior wall finishes mean that hospitals can successfully reduce the prevalence of infections by specifying hygienic surfaces, employing specialist coatings or sheeting for walls and ceilings.
At CS Wallglaze we offer a choice of hygienic coatings to suit different hospital areas. When used with an approved cleaning regime, CS coatings will provide excellent resistance against many bacteria, including MRSA.
The Wallglaze anti-microbial properties remain effective for the whole life of the product and will withstand regular cleaning with no deterioration to surface or performance.
The coatings should be expertly applied to achieve a high standard of finish, which will not compromise the performance of the impermeable and easily cleaned surface of the hygienic coating.
CS Wallglaze features:
- Non-leaching anti-microbial agents in every coat of the system
- Chemical resistance levels to suit project requirements and cleaning regimes
- Can be decontaminated from radioactivity (CS Wallflex)
- VOC levels compliant with legislation
- Scrub and abrasion resistant
- Fibreglass (FG reinforcement options for increased abrasion/impact resistance
- Contact the experts on Performance Coatings, email sales@c-sgroup.co.uk or call 01296 652800
