Since the Conservatives came into power 14 years ago, each new PM has had a bespoke lectern made. Even Liz Truss, who only held the leadership post for a matter of weeks had time to design a jenga inspired wooden lectern. But as Rishi Sunak said his goodbyes and Keir Starmer made his first speech as PM, the same classic lectern served them both.
Teknomek, the UK’s leading supplier of furniture and equipment for hygienic environments, has always believed that one size does not fit all when it comes to lecterns, and products should be perfect for purpose.
“Whilst it’s great that our new PM seems to be happy to use a ‘pre-loved’ lectern, therefore not costing the tax-payer money, in ultra-hygienic settings such as cleanrooms, even a simple item such as a lectern has to be designed and manufactured to meet rigorous hygienic standards,” explains Michelle Locke, product and marketing manager at Teknomek. “Our Hygienox lectern has been created especially for cleanroom environments where compliance with ISO 14644 is critical. All tables and lecterns in our Hygienox range are manufactured from 316L grade stainless steel as standard: offering customers the ultimate in future proof, hygienic equipment which is easy to clean.”
The Hygienox lectern from Teknomek is 600mm wide to comfortably hold documents up to A3 size, and is available in both a mobile and static version.
“The design of our Hygienox lecterns means they are extremely easy to clean,” continues Michelle Locke. “Anyone working within the cleanroom sector knows the importance of reducing contamination risk and supporting improved cleandown productivity. That’s why all Hygienox products feature open, hygienic corners, no overlapping joints, no unnecessary lips or double returns, and the use of tubular braces to minimise horizontal surfaces where microbes can rest and multiply.
“The lower surface roughness of the steel means there are fewer deep peaks and valleys where harsh chemical cleaning fluids can lurk, again aiding the cleandown process,” says Michelle. “The ultra-smooth finish of the lectern is also less abrasive; preventing friction between the unit and any surfaces it may come into contact with, such as files or documents. Any abrasive contact could cause particles to be released into the atmosphere and pose a risk to hygiene and contamination control.”
“We know that our customers are having to use ever higher concentrations of Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide to ensure they meet cleanroom standards,” continues Michelle. “But harsh cleaning chemicals, if not fully removed, can reduce the lifespan of furniture built using 304-grade stainless steel, leading to surface corrosion. Our Hygienox lecterns use 316L-grade stainless steel because it is able to withstand harsher chemicals and is easier to clean.”
If Keir Starmer does decide to commission a bespoke lectern it’s unlikely to be made from 316L-grade stainless steel. But for businesses where only an obsessive approach to hygiene will do, visit Teknomek’s website.
