According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on any given day in the United States, about one in 31 hospital patients contracts a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). In Canada, the statistic is 1 in 9 patients, according to the Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia (PICNet). HAIs are infections that patients get while receiving treatment for separate medical or surgical conditions that initially brought them in.
These numbers are alarming.
Ensuring the utmost cleanliness and hygiene standards within hospitals and healthcare establishments is an absolute imperative. The health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors are dependent on an environment free of contaminants and pathogens.
Beyond aesthetics, clean floors play a pivotal role in eliminating cross-contamination, safeguarding immunocompromised patients, and ensuring the safety of the healthcare ecosystem. Epoxy coatings, characterized by their seamless and impermeable nature, create an unwelcoming environment for germ spread.
Their resistance to chemicals enables the utilization of disinfectants without compromising the floor's structural integrity. Epoxy-coated floors provide remarkable durability, withstanding constant foot traffic, heavy machinery, and rigorous cleaning protocols existing in the healthcare industry.
In today’s blog post, we will share more information about epoxy floor coatings, maintenance and cleaning tips and lastly, factors to consider while implementing them.
At BNE, we are trusted experts in epoxy flooring. We have the knowledge, equipment, and skills to properly install concrete for any type of project. We use industry-leading technology and expertise to provide the client with a concrete structure that will last. Our clients seek us out because we are a single source in providing concrete finishing, polish and epoxy floor systems. This saves them time, money and the hassle of communicating their needs to various contractors. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for your next hospital or healthcare construction project. We are just one phone call or email away!
Understanding Epoxy Floor Coatings
Before further exploring the relationship between epoxy floor coatings and healthcare facilities, let's take a moment to understand what epoxy floor coatings actually are.
Epoxy coatings are a type of high-performance surface finish that is created by mixing epoxy resin with a hardening agent. The resulting chemical reaction produces a tough, durable, and seamless layer that adheres tightly to the underlying concrete substrate. Epoxy coatings are known for their exceptional strength, resistance to chemicals and abrasion, and ability to provide a smooth, non-porous surface.
Benefits of Epoxy Floor Coatings in Healthcare
Epoxy floor coatings offer a range of distinct advantages that make them particularly well-suited for healthcare environments, where cleanliness and hygiene are all-time high concerns.
- Impermeable Barrier: Epoxy coatings establish a seamless and impermeable surface, crucial in healthcare settings to prevent liquids, chemicals, and contaminants from permeating the flooring material, averting moisture accumulation that could otherwise foster mold growth, bacterial spread, and unpleasant odours.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Many epoxy coatings are designed with antimicrobial agents infused into the material. This feature actively stops the growth and reproduction of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: Epoxy-coated floors are exceptionally easy to clean due to their smooth and non-porous surface. Spills, stains, and contaminants can be swiftly wiped away without leaving residues. This ease of cleaning significantly reduces the risk of pathogens lingering on the floor's surface and promotes efficient infection control practices.
- Chemical Resistance: Healthcare facilities often use a variety of cleaning agents and disinfectants to maintain hygiene. Epoxy coatings have a strong resistance to chemicals, ensuring that harsh cleaning agents can be used without compromising the integrity of the flooring.
- Durability and Longevity: Healthcare facilities experience high foot traffic, the movement of heavy equipment, and constant cleaning regimens. Epoxy-coated floors are exceptionally durable and can withstand the demands of such environments. Their longevity translates to fewer disruptions for maintenance and replacements, saving time and costs in the long run.
- Enhanced Light Reflection: Epoxy coatings typically have a high-gloss finish that reflects light effectively. This not only brightens up spaces but also improves visibility. In healthcare settings, where precision is vital, well-lit environments aid in accurate procedures and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Hygienic Appearance: Epoxy-coated floors present a uniform and attractive surface that is visually appealing. A clean and well-maintained appearance not only uplifts the overall ambiance of the healthcare facility but also fosters a sense of trust and confidence among patients and visitors.
Maintenance and Easy Cleaning
Epoxy-coated floors have gained immense popularity in healthcare environments not only for their durability and hygiene benefits but also for their remarkably easy maintenance and cleaning.
Here’s how:
Seamless and Non-Porous Surface
Epoxy-coated floors feature a seamless and non-porous surface, leaving no room for dirt, liquids, or contaminants to penetrate or accumulate. This eliminates the need for labour-intensive scrubbing and extensive cleaning processes, as debris can be easily wiped or swept away.
Spill Resistance
Spills are a common occurrence in healthcare facilities, ranging from water and liquids to harsh chemicals. Epoxy coatings provide a protective barrier that prevents these substances from seeping into the flooring, allowing for quick cleanup without staining or damaging the floor's integrity.
Swift Wiping and Mopping
Cleaning epoxy-coated floors involves simple wiping or mopping with mild cleaning solutions. The non-absorbent nature of epoxy prevents liquids from being absorbed, making cleanup swift and efficient.
Enhanced Disinfection
Epoxy-coated floors are compatible with a wide range of disinfectants and cleaning agents commonly used in healthcare settings. The impermeable nature of the coating ensures that disinfectants effectively eliminate pathogens on the surface, contributing to infection control protocols.
Reduced Downtime
Traditional flooring materials often require extended drying periods after cleaning, causing disruptions in healthcare operations. Epoxy-coated floors, on the other hand, have rapid drying times due to their non-absorbent nature.
Seamless Joints and Grout Lines
Unlike some other flooring options that have joints or grout lines where dirt and microbes can accumulate, epoxy-coated floors provide a seamless and smooth surface.
Stain Resistance
Epoxy coatings are highly stain-resistant, meaning that even stubborn substances like ink, blood, or chemicals can be wiped away without leaving permanent marks.
Compatibility with Healthcare Regulations
Epoxy floor coatings align seamlessly with Canadian healthcare regulations, addressing infection control through their impermeable nature, which prevents the accumulation of pathogens and cross-contamination. They satisfy cleanability and sanitation standards with their smooth, non-absorbent surfaces, facilitating efficient cleaning and compliance with hygiene requirements.
Epoxy coatings' chemical resistance adheres to regulations that specify approved disinfectants, enabling effective sanitization without compromising floor integrity. The approval of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and adherence to Health Canada guidelines assure healthcare facilities of their adherence to recognized safety standards. Epoxy coatings also contribute to environmental sustainability, as low VOC options support Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification aspirations for healthcare facilities prioritizing indoor air quality.
Factors to Consider in Implementation
Choosing and implementing epoxy floor coatings in healthcare facilities requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure the effectiveness, longevity, and suitability of the flooring solution.
Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Type of Healthcare Facility: Different healthcare facilities have distinct requirements. A hospital's flooring needs may differ from those of a clinic or a long-term care facility. Consider the facility's purpose, patient volume, and specialized areas like operating rooms, patient rooms, corridors, and labs. Each space may have unique hygiene, safety, and traffic demands that influence the choice of epoxy coating.
- Foot Traffic and Usage: Foot traffic within healthcare facilities is often constant and heavy. High-traffic areas require epoxy coatings with superior durability to withstand the stress of continuous movement, rolling equipment, and heavy loads. Evaluate the expected traffic patterns to select coatings that can handle the wear and tear specific to each area.
- Hygiene Requirements: Different healthcare settings have varying hygiene standards. Areas like surgical suites demand higher levels of sterility than administrative spaces. Epoxy coatings should align with the hygiene requirements of each area, including ease of cleaning, resistance to chemicals, and antimicrobial properties.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: The ease of maintenance is crucial in healthcare settings where rapid sanitation is essential. Choose epoxy coatings that allow for quick and efficient cleaning without compromising on hygiene. Consider how often the floors need cleaning, the types of cleaning agents used, and the ease of removing stains or spills.
- Safety and Slip Resistance: Healthcare settings need to prioritize safety to prevent slips and falls. Look for epoxy coatings that offer adequate slip resistance, particularly in areas that might be prone to spills or water exposure. Balancing safety with the ease of cleaning is essential.
- Budget and Long-Term Cost: Consider the budget available for flooring installation and maintenance. While epoxy coatings might have an upfront cost, they offer long-term savings due to their durability and minimal maintenance requirements. It's essential to strike a balance between quality and budget constraints.
- Environmental Considerations: Some healthcare facilities prioritize environmental sustainability. Low VOC or solvent-free epoxy coatings can be chosen to support eco-friendly initiatives, such as achieving LEED certification.
- Installation Timelines: Healthcare facilities often have strict schedules and limited downtime. Coordinate the installation of epoxy coatings to minimize disruptions to patient care and daily operations.
Final Thoughts
We hope that by reading this blog post, you better understand how epoxy floor coatings promote hygiene and infection control in healthcare settings through their seamless, impermeable design that prevents contamination risks. These coatings stop moisture accumulation, mold growth, and bacterial proliferation, ensuring compliance with strict healthcare standards for patient safety and a sterile environment.
At BNE, we are trusted experts in concrete finishing. We have the knowledge, equipment, and skills to properly install concrete for any type of project. We use industry-leading technology and expertise to provide the client with a concrete structure that will last. Our clients seek us out because we are a single source in providing concrete finishing, polish and epoxy. This saves them time, money and the hassle of communicating their needs to various contractors. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for your next hospital or healthcare construction project. We are just one phone call or email away!
