FLOORING
increasing the chance of bacteria remaining. For example, the surface of Forbo’s Colorex SD and EC tiles can be fully repaired, extending the life of that section of floor. Similarly, reducing the number of seams by opting for a sheet product, such as Forbo’s Sphera SD or EC solution, can help improve the hygiene of the floor, as does choosing flooring with high levels of dimensional stability to prevent excessive movement under use. The materials used in the manufacture of the flooring should also be looked at to ensure that it will not negatively impact indoor air quality. For hospitals, ensuring the best possible air quality is of course vital for patient health and comfort. In particular, the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) should be minimised wherever possible. VOCs can be emitted from a range of sources, including furniture, floors, cleaning detergents, paints, building materials, and even soft furnishings.
Selecting an ESD flooring that also has low VOC emitting properties is a key consideration. For example, Forbo’s Sphera ESD flooring emits less than 0.01 milligram per cubic metre (mg/m3
)
of Total VOC (TVOC) in the first 28 days after installation.
Quality
In addition to selecting SD or EC flooring and taking into consideration the hygiene factors, the quality of the chosen product must also be considered. Many ESD floorcoverings on the market are manufactured with additives and will only function correctly where relative humidity (RH) is above 40%. It is thus recommended that hospitals look for products that are permanently conductive or dissipative.
Durability is also an issue for healthcare environments. Hospital floors have to withstand heavy traffic, including the movement of people, beds, wheelchairs, and equipment. The chosen flooring should therefore be stain, scratch, scuff and indentation-resistant to ensure the longevity of the surface.
Installation factors
ESD flooring is available in both tile and sheet format, so that the most appropriate product can be selected for different applications and requirements. As each format has its own properties, it may be advisable to look at each area separately, and determine which is the best fit.
To ensure the conductive or dissipative properties, many ESD sheet flooring products have to be installed using a conductive adhesive in all areas of the floor. However, there are products on the market that use a special conductive backing, applied directly to the sheet material, allowing the charges to flow away horizontally through the flooring. As a result, only the copper earthing strip needs to be adhered with a conductive adhesive, while the rest of the flooring can be applied using a standard adhesive, reducing the risk of adhesion failure, and saving up to one third on adhesive costs.
Design and colour
While controlling ESD is important, the flooring must also complement the rest of the hospital environment, and even serve other purposes. SD and EC floorcoverings are available in a range of colourways to provide the choice and freedom to create an environment that supports patient care. For example, in addition to neutral colours, there is also the option to brighten the space with an eye-catching shade or evoke the look of the natural world with blues and greens. The flooring colour can also be used as a tool for wayfinding, or to create distinct areas. For example, Forbo’s Colorex Signal SD product is available in red, yellow, and green ‘signal’ colours to help indicate safe or dangerous areas. Also, there is the option to specify flooring with additional phosphorescent glow properties. These materials will continue to glow for hours after exposure to a light source, making them an ideal solution for floor safety signage, and to assist safe movement in the case of a power cut.
Understanding the risks Static electricity and ESD can pose a significant risk in certain sensitive areas of healthcare environments. Selecting the right SD or EC floorcovering to meet the specific requirements of the room or space is crucial. It is thus key to understand what the risks in a given area are and how to address them. If in doubt, decision-makers should seek the expertise of a specialist. There are a range of options available, so it is important to look for products that can meet the demands of a hospital environment, as well as deliver reliable and permanent protection against ESD.
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Garry Bateman
Having been with Forbo Flooring Systems for the past 33 years, Garry Bateman is now the company’s head of Technical Sales and Support, and has been working on the technical side of the business for the last 11 years. He is the Immediate Past President of the Contract Flooring Association (CFA), and the current Chair of the CFA Manufacturers committee. He is also a member of the UKSRG and BS8203 (resilient) and BS5325 (textile) committees.
October 2020 Health Estate Journal 67
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