In sterile environments, every piece of equipment needs to be carefully considered to determine its risk of harbouring or transferring germs; everything right down to the flooring and matting can play an important role in helping to reduce microbial contamination.
“The placement of matting in a facility may seem of little consequence when considered in relation to the upkeep of a cleanroom,” said Sue Springett, commercial manager at Teknomek.
“However, an audit can be passed or failed anywhere and it makes sense to think carefully about how dirt could potentially make it into a hygiene-controlled environment in the first place.”
“Matting can be deployed to remove contaminants from shoes and to also electromagnetically attract airborne particles. While these mats are most commonly placed at entrances/exits of cleanrooms, they can greatly improve hygiene for the long-term if used as part of a cumulative strategy throughout the facility.”
Teknomek has introduced three new matting ranges to its catalogue for 2017:
Autoclave anti-fatigue matting
Teknomek’s autoclave anti-fatigue matting is made from 100% anti-microbial nitrile rubber and meets USP 797 regulation to reduce infections transmitted through to end products.
This versatile matting can be used in dry, wet and oily environments, and is autoclavable up to 121°C for maximum bacteria control.
An Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) variant is available, which protects sensitive equipment by dissipating electrostatic charges into the ground.
The mats have also designed to help provide relief from long shifts or extended periods of standing. This is down to the mat’s rubber domes that create a flexible and supportive surface under foot.
The use of anti-fatigue matting can improve muscle activity by 50% compared to standing on hard surfaces, such as concrete. This can dramatically reduce standing fatigue and related
absenteeism.Sole footbath mat
The deep-sided sole footbath is an economical choice in the fight against cross-contamination. Made from colourfast, chlorine-resistant high density polythene, it holds up to 18.9 litres of sanitising solution.
The mat will fit in most main doorways to help prevent contamination between areas, as well as reducing slips and falls around work exits.
The product is available in black, blue and yellow to help segregate working areas. The lightweight design and built-in handles allow for quick and easy disposal of used liquid. The matts are stackable to save storage space.
Sticky tack matting
Dirt can be transferred from one place to another via airborne particles, as well as footwear. Teknomek has addressed this problem with its range of sticky tack matting, available in permanent or disposable options to suit the environment and foot traffic.
As well as catching and holding onto dust and dirt on contact to remove 98 per cent of contaminants from shoes, the smooth vinyl polymer surface also attracts airborne particles electromagnetically.
The permanent matting is designed for long-term use to reduce cost and waste; a simple clean with mild detergent restores the tackiness.
The disposable polythene mats are convenient especially in areas of heavy foot traffic. Each mat has 30 numbered layers that can be torn off at the end of each day (or as necessary) and disposed of.
These products are available in a range of sizes, or can produced bespoke for specific use cases.
