The advent of the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for hygiene in a very dramatic fashion. Not only are we all singing “Happy birthday” twice while handwashing, we’re starting to question the sanitation of every surface we touch.
Studies of coronaviruses, including Sars and Mers, have found that they can survive on metal for up to 9 days. This can extend to up to 28 days in low temperatures. *
At the forefront of this contamination risk is the humble door handle.
Once the preserve of hospitals and care homes, hygienic door handles are now being specified for a wide range of public buildings, hotels, shops, restaurants and cruise liners. Even in private homes these innovative materials can reduce the risk of infection for those who are vulnerable and have regular home visitors such as carers.
It has been known for years that bacterial infections perish more quickly on copper door handles or handles with a high copper content (including brass and bronze).
But now, a new generation of hygienic door handles are available, which take infection-reduction to the next level.
FSB have developed a proprietary Anti-Infection Coating (AIC) which reduces pathogens by 99.9%.
In response to the coronavirus outbreak and the increased focus on hygiene, we are now supplying FSB’s anti-infection products for both public and private applications.
The AIC’s antimicrobial properties have been certified by ISO 22196:2011 and JIS Z 2801:2010 (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee).
It has been shown to be safe to use, in accordance with ISO 10993-5. It is scratch-resistant in line with ISO 1518 and guarantees abrasion resistance over at least 100,000 cycles.
The surface can continue to be cleaned with all normal disinfectants and other cleaning products, with no detrimental effect.
You may be specifying ironmongery for a hospital or care home where hygiene is essential. Or working on a public, commercial or private area where infection control is important. We will help you source the right products to give your clients the protection they need.
All products from FSB’s stainless steel and aluminium ranges are available with the Anti-Infection Coating including:
These products can still be anodised or powder-coated in the full range of RAL colours. So, there is no compromise on style, functionality or longevity – just an additional layer of safety.
Browse the FSB lever door handles or pull handles – or contact us on 01279 514 961 for advice about these or the wider range of Anti-Infection Coated products.
FSB have also launched the Forearm Shield, which reduces the risk of spreading infections by enabling lever handles to be operated with your forearm instead of your hand. Find out more about the FSB Forearm Shield.
* Source: “Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents” by G. Kampfa, D. Todtb, S. Pfaender and E. Steinmannb