All healthcare settings need to be as safe as possible. All fixtures and fittings must be selected with safety in mind, from bathrooms to kitchens to sluice rooms. We always recommend that, where possible, stainless steel is used.
Dekomed can provide you with high-quality washer disinfectors and bedpan washer disinfectors. But you also need to think about how each room is used and what possible occurrences could put staff and patients in danger.
Spillages and splashes can cause dangerous microbes to contaminate surfaces. No one can see these microorganisms, and that can lead to an infection outbreak.
If you can’t clean the environment thoroughly, you may unknowingly be creating a dangerous situation.
Remember, bacteria and germs can grow almost anywhere.
Remember, bacteria and germs can grow almost anywhere.Many potentially infectious microorganisms can survive on surfaces for quite a long time. Somebody touches a contaminated surface, and people are more likely to become sick.
This becomes a more significant issue in healthcare settings where many people carry lots of different germs. Put a lot of ill people in one place, and the germs they have will want to spread.
A single sneeze can spray infected droplets up to 3 feet away.
That’s why stainless steel is the best material for surfaces, sideboards, sinks and other reusable equipment.
Why stainless steel?
It’s smooth
This means there are no crevices for germs to hide. This makes it very easy to clean, and you can be confident that all germs and bacteria have been washed away.
It’s corrosion-resistant
You can use stronger cleaning and disinfecting products, and they won’t damage the stainless steel surface. Again, this means you know that stainless steel is completely clean and safe from any potentially dangerous microbes.
It’s scratch and stain resistant
Stainless steel is designed to be used daily. It can withstand heavy traffic without getting damaged. This is particularly important for large busy healthcare settings.
It’s strong and durable
Replacing equipment is timely and costly. Investing in stainless steel fixtures and fittings upfront means they won’t need to be replaced for many years. It’s definitely a cost-effective choice.
It can be recycled
Stainless steel is one of the world’s most recycled materials. It’s an environmentally-friendly choice.
Types of stainless steel
The two most common stainless steel grades used are 304 and 316. The difference between the two is 316 contains molybdenum, and 304 doesn’t. Molybdenum makes stainless steel even more corrosion resistant and is used in areas with high chloride exposure. Dekomed’s D32 uses both 304 and 316 stainless steel.
304 stainless steel is the most commonly used stainless steel. All our washer disinfectors are made from it. As well as being easy to clean and corrosion-resistant, it is also great value for money.
Equipment made from stainless steel include:
- Sink tops
- Basins
- Slop hoppers
- Glove dispensers
- Soap dispensers
- Wall racks
- Bedpans
- Medical needles
- Medical syringes
- Catheters
There are so many aspects to consider when you work in a healthcare setting. That’s why it’s good to regularly check your infection control policies and talk to experts for up-to-date advice.
Get expert advice
Dekomed has been one of the UK’s leading suppliers of washer disinfectors for hospital, dental, veterinary and laboratory use for 30 years. We understand the importance of infection control and can advise you on what will help you keep your staff and patients safe.
For more information about our range of washer disinfectors, call us on 0161 483 7333