ELECTRICAL SAFETY
HellermannTyton investigated various options for securing bedside wires, cables, and tubes, including the use of similar ‘hook and loop’ fastenings. With a quick release design, the Cable Koala can be reused ‘time and time again’ once cleaned.
order to prevent infection from spreading. Some products are also suitable for autoclaving or gamma irradiation sterilisation, while others encompass antimicrobial properties.
Stringent sterilisation and cleaning processes are implemented within the healthcare environment in order to provide sterile and bacteria-free areas for patients in need of treatment. Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is an ideal material to use when it comes to cable management within healthcare; its blended polymers provide high strength resistance and flexibility – giving cable ties made from TPE excellent tear and abrasion resistance.
Not only does the material need to be robust and strong, but it also needs to be chemical-resistant to be able to withstand the powerful cleaning agents used in hospitals. If not, chemical corrosion could reduce performance, and create rough surfaces which harbour bacteria and increase the risk of contamination and infection.
Printed cable ties
Printed cable ties, ID tags, and security seals, are also highly recommended, as they are ideal for the secure closure and traceability of bags containing biological/medical waste or for use on medical equipment trolleys. They can also be used for securing cabinets containing sensitive products or materials, or for identifying the tubes or cords on respirators and other equipment. Given the scale of the issue, which varies between NHS Trusts, it makes sense to investigate any measure which reduces the impact of poor hospital hygiene, both from a financial and a patient care standpoint. HellermannTyton is often approached by NHS Trusts and
42 Health Estate Journal July 2021
other healthcare providers to deliver cable management solutions designed specifically to reduce infection.
Helping a UK hospice A hospice based in the UK was experiencing a growing need for cable management due to the increasing number of wires surrounding beds, and turned to HellermannTyton for help. Messy cables posed a challenge to the hospice, because, if not secured, these loose wires and cables – both for medical and non-medical devices – were a trip hazard for patients and staff. There was also a major risk of cables being damaged by the wheels of beds during transit. The hospice quickly realised that solving this cable management conundrum also had an impact on infection control. Initially, other solutions
were considered, including the use of Velcro fastenings to secure cables, but it soon became apparent that these types of products were unsuitable for such environments.
As part of the development of the Cable Koala, working with the Innovation Team within one of the UK’s regional NHS Trusts, HellermannTyton investigated various options for securing bedside wires, cables, and tubes, including the use of similar ‘hook and loop’ fastenings. However, the rough texture of these materials provides a potential breeding ground for and bacteria. It was for this reason that HellermannTyton designed the Cable Koala.
The magnetic cable tie is manufactured using a soft, flexible TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) material that delivers a smooth surface and is free from any
HellermannTyton says the MGT-Series – made with antimicrobial materials – is ‘proven through testing’ to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
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