enhance or hinder the healing process – it’s little surprise that the main theme running through HBN: 00-10 is infection prevention and control.


In the healthcare environment, the majority of people are already immunocompromised so infection prevention and control is a prerequisite. Weakened immune systems and other afflictions will make these patients more susceptible to infections, so it is the NHS’ responsibility to minimise the potential risk of patients acquiring a healthcare associated infection (HCAI).


Figures may show that the number of HCAIs has fallen in recent years in the wake of a Clostridium difficile ‘superbug’ outbreak which claimed the lives of 90 patients at two Kent hospitals in 2006, but infection control procedures must still remain an absolute priority. Floors, walls and ceilings must be carefully designed to enable effective cleaning, and all coatings and finishes chosen with this in mind. If a floor or wall finish is incompatible with cleaning agents, this may cause changes to its physical properties or the quality of the finish – leading to softening/hardening, reduced flexibility, cracking, flaking or discolouring.


Sika has a range of high-performance resin floor systems, including Sika Comfortfloor, which are suitable for the most demanding healthcare environments. The company’s Sikagard range of seamless hygienic coatings for walls and ceilings can be specified to mirror design life requirements, construction joints, floor-to-wall connections, surface design and installation details to meet and exceed HBN 00-10 guidelines.


MINIMISING THE RISK As healthcare facilities are subject to a range of hazardous substances, all floors, walls and ceilings should also be designed to make cleaning and maintenance easy. With infection prevention and control a prerequisite, floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth, impervious, as well as hard and seamless.


If surfaces are free of fissures, open joints and crevices, they will be unable to retain or permit the passage of dirt or moisture and will not become a breeding ground for bacteria. The Sika Comfortfloor systems and the Sikagard hygienic coatings have been designed with cleaning in mind, complementing the materials’ seamless finish and supporting the healthcare facilities’ infection prevention and control measures.


TAKING THE HEAT The final major theme of HBN: 00-10 is fire performance. It states that floor finishes must meet the performance classifications and periods of fire resistance given in Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 05-03 Part C – ‘Textiles and furnishings’. This in turn refers to European legislation and the Construction Products Directive and highlights that member states are free to set their own levels of performance.


For England, Approved Document B of the Building Regulations indicates the requirements for various construction products. However, the provisions of this document do not apply to the upper surfaces of floors as they are not significantly involved in a fire until it is well developed and so does not play an important part in the early stages of fire spread.


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HTM 05-03 Part C – Textiles and furnishings also highlights that according to the Construction Products Directive, any products that have been awarded a CE mark can be used anywhere in the EU without the need for any further testing.


SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT For floor finishes it is also crucial to integrate slip resistance as trips and falls in healthcare facilities remain a significant problem. According to Health and Safety Executive, over 50% of RIDDOR reported major injuries in this sector are related to slips, trips and falls, both to staff and to patients. These accidents will not only cause serious injury but in extreme cases can cause fatalities as a result of the heightened vulnerability of the client group.


As such, where the floor will get wet or contaminated in normal use, the floor should not be slippery. Increased slip resistance of floorcoverings can control the slip risk in some hospital environments, especially areas likely to become wet or subject to other surface contamination. So, the cleanability of the flooring should not be a barrier to the use of slip-resistant flooring in foreseeably wet or contaminated work areas in hospitals.


“Flooring and walls play a crucial role in minimising the risk of transmission of infection.”


Healthcare providers must also provide evidence that they adhere to current performance requirements, which also include more stringent measures of slip resistance. With numerous factors to consider – from incorrect use of cleaning products to heavy use – slip resistance levels should be monitored at regular intervals throughout the service life in order to identify any changes in performance or if improvements are required.


As floors with regular traffic will inevitably change over time, it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to ensure they are up to standard. Available with a textured or slip-resistant finish, the application of Sika Comfortfloor maintains the attractive, seamless finish whilst preventing the need for traditional and visually unappealing anti-slip treads. In many situations the slip resistance of Sika Comfortfloor can be easily renewed with the simple application of an additional topcoat, reducing the Life Cycle Cost of the flooring system.


Ideal for a number of applications, Sika’s seamless, hygienic coatings offer improved levels of durability and strength as well as an enhanced resistance to cracking, splitting and flaking. As well as long term performance, the systems provide flexibility in design with three separate finishes available – matt, mid- sheen and gloss – to suit the client’s needs.


It is imperative to specify products with the expected use, level of traffic and cleaning regime in mind. Where infection prevention and control is of utmost importance, the application of Sika Comfortfloor and the Sikagard hygienic coatings provide a ‘seamless box concept’ that will fully encompass the requirements of HBN 00-10 and help to ensure that the internal healthcare environment can be kept to the highest possible standards of hygiene.


www.sika.co.uk/flooring HEALTHCARE | 25


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