CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
way than to start from the flooring up. In fact, there are floor coverings available on the market that have been proven to inherently inhibit the growth and spread of infections such as MRSA, norovirus, E. coli and C. difficile – helping to contribute to a healthier and more hygienic environment in any area of a hospital.
n Indoor air quality Another way to keep contaminants out of a healthcare setting is through the right ventilation strategy, but as there are many sources of pollutants a more holistic approach must be taken to ensure patients and other building occupants can breathe easy. Indoor air quality (IAQ) encompasses a wide variety of factors including temperature, humidity, presence of chemicals and other contaminants, such as indoor allergens. Poor air quality has been directly linked to health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.6
Therefore,
maintaining a good IAQ is especially important in healthcare environments, where people are more vulnerable to its effects. A particular concern is Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs). VOCs are a group of chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and, as such, contribute to indoor air pollution.7
VOCs are emitted by many wall and floor
coverings, furniture, and appliances throughout their lifespan, and the negative health effects of these chemicals are well documented.8 There are a wide range of interior products available
that have low VOCs and other emissions. It is also worth looking for floor coverings and other materials that have achieved the Allergy UK ‘Seal of Approval’, which provides independent certification of products proven to reduce or remove allergens from the indoor environment.
Safety flooring In 2023/24 there were 26.2 million attendances to A&E, a significant increase in comparison to previous years.9
being very busy places, the floors are exposed to all types of contaminants. As such, maintaining a high level of slip resistance is key to patient and staff safety – and this is where specifying appropriately graded slip resistant flooring can make a significant difference. When specifying safety flooring, it can be useful
With this in mind, it is important to keep all those recovering, visiting, or working in a hospital safe from hazards, such as slips and trips. In fact, with hospitals
to understand the testing methods used to grade the products, to help identify the correct solution. First up is the Pendulum Test, recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to assess the slip resistance of floor surfaces. A pendulum test is conducted by a swinging arm that sweeps over a flooring surface. One side of this arm is a rubber slider, which strikes and passes along the floor from a predetermined distance. Once the arm strikes the floor, friction will cause it to slow down. Where the arm finishes following the swing will indicate a value with a pointer and this is your pendulum test value (PTV). The test can assess slip resistance in both dry and contaminated conditions and measures the coefficient of friction of a floor surface to provide a slip
Different spaces in a healthcare setting have specific requirements. Every area within a hospital setting requires full assessment.
February 2026 Health Estate Journal 31
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