WALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Enhancing hygiene with wall protection
One of the main benefits of wall protection is to help create a more hygienic environment – often the main priority in clinical environments. Where hygiene is a particular concern, the wall protection you install should not only withstand impact from medical equipment, but must be impervious to bacteria and moisture, in line with HBN 00-10. To achieve this, it is essential that the surface of the wall protection is smooth and easy to clean, as well as able to cope with the heavy-duty cleaning chemicals frequently used in such areas. Consider a solution that can also be thermoformed on site to produce bespoke profiles, such as corner guards or ‘U’- shapes. In addition, bathrooms in healthcare facilities require effective wall protection – particularly ones that include hoists or wheelchairs to help patients with disabilities. Here, robust, easy-to-clean cladding that can withstand intensive chemical cleaning is again the best option. In general, no matter where it is installed, wall protection should provide a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is easy to wipe down, and thus helps to prevent the spread of germs within the building. For further ease of cleaning and enhanced hygiene, consider wall guards and corner guards with a stainless-steel finish.
Choosing the colours Most wall protection can either be specified in colours and tones that contrast with the surrounding wall surfaces – or that blend in with them. The advantage of solutions that blend in is that they will not compromise the particular visual style you are seeking to establish. Contrasting – on the other hand – can help
visitors and staff to navigate their way around the building by identifying each zone with a different colour.
One type of wall protection that should always stand out is handrails. Designed to provide pedestrians with guidance and support, while also offering a degree of surface protection from wheeled traffic, handrails and combination rails should have a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of at least 30 points’ difference to the surface that surrounds them, ensuring ease of recognition. Colour is also a vital consideration when it comes to care homes and other facilities for the elderly, especially where users may have dementia. This is because people with dementia often see the world differently, with what may look ‘normal’ to you or I potentially disorientating them, causing distress, or even injury.
Creating a welcoming feel Another consideration – especially when specifying wall protection for waiting rooms, family rooms, and receptions – should be the sensory experience of the user. Such areas provide an excellent opportunity not only to protect the wall, but also to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere with little clinical feel.
Offering ‘the full package’
At Gradus, we have a wealth of experience in helping estates and facilities managers protect their walls, supplying the perfect solution for healthcare facilities. We draw on this experience to help will all stages – from specification through to installation. As a recommended supplier for the ProCure22 framework, we offer one of the market’s most comprehensive wall protection ranges. Our expert advisors can
Ultra Clean Air, Anywhere Small, modular, air handling unit
• Client specified • Ultra Clean (UCV) • Postive pressure • Negative pressure • User/BMS control
• Fixed or Mobile • ULPA15 or HEPA14 • EN14644 Part 3 • Low cost • Low running cost
Web:
www.airsentry.co.uk
• Rental available • British product • Easily deployed
• Increased hourly air changes between AGP
Tel: 01666 818087 May 2021 Health Estate Journal 57
provide a free building survey service, which sees them use their product expertise to identify the most vulnerable areas within your building, and recommend protection where it is required. Alternatively, our Contracts team offers a full ‘supply and installation’ service, that can support you from initial enquiry and specification, through site survey and manufacture in our Cheshire factories, and all the way to COVID-secure installation at your healthcare facility. hej
Mitch Dean
Mitch Dean is the National Sales manager for Wall Protection Systems & Supply Chain at Gradus, the UK’s largest manufacturer of wall protection systems. Gradus said: “He draws on his healthcare product and industry expertise to help clients achieve the best results when choosing a complete wall protection and flooring solution. He has worked for a number of leading brands in the construction industry for over 15 years.”
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