Healthcare environments are as busy as ever and with winter fast approaching, they will no doubt remain at capacity. This increase in people will result in the inevitable rise in bacteria, leading to more potential Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). One way of countering this, aside from regular cleaning regimes, is through the correct surface specifications. With this in mind, Lewis Cooper, Healthcare Segment Marketing Manager from Forbo Flooring Systems explores the options available to architects and specifiers when looking for floor coverings in healthcare settings.
The connection between a well-designed healthcare environment and effective recovery times has been well documented and researched, with the interior space undoubtedly having a positive impact on patient well-being. With this in mind, architects and specifiers are now placing more importance on the atmosphere they are creating within healthcare buildings, with brighter colours, warming decors and finishes, and clear zones and navigational pathways all having a positive impact on staff, patients and visitors.
Of course, it’s not all about aesthetics. When it comes to the healthcare sector, floor coverings also need to be capable of handling the daily rigours experienced in regards to traffic, hygiene, safety and ease of maintenance. Although flooring is only one piece of the puzzle, it can play a vital role in the holistic design of spaces that cater to these requirements of the sector.
With such a wide variety of floor coverings to choose from on the market, none is more suited for healthcare environments than linoleum. Discovered over 150 years ago, linoleum floor coverings have developed over the years and remain a strong and popular option in the healthcare sector. With the versatility of designs available, alongside its outstanding sustainability credentials and hygienic properties, linoleum is easily capable of fulfilling the role asked of it.
Manufactured using up to 98% natural raw materials, with linseed oil, jute, pine rosin, wood flour and limestone being used in its production, linoleum is one of the most sustainable resilient floor coverings on the market today. Some manufacturers are even able to offer Climate Positive versions of linoleum, meaning the carbon dioxide released during the collection, transportation and production of its materials is more than cancelled out by the CO2 absorbed by the raw materials used during the manufacturing process without the need for offsetting.
In addition to this, linoleum has Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) that are 30 times lower than the European norm and 50% lower CO2 emissions than other resilient floor coverings. This means linoleum can help contribute to healthier indoor environments, an important consideration when specifying for healthcare settings. There are also some brands of linoleum which boast the prestigious Allergy UK ‘Seal of Approval’, meaning, with the correct cleaning regime, the flooring will not harbour allergens or house dust mites.
Moreover, thanks to the natural linseed oil used in linoleum’s production, it is inherently bacteriostatic. This means that it can inhibit the growth of infections such as C Difficile, Norovirus and MRSA throughout its lifetime, without the need for surface additives – a key consideration for healthcare settings.
Not only is good hygiene a priority, but given the busy nature of a healthcare environment, it is also imperative that floor coverings are durable enough to withstand high footfall. Flooring solutions should also deliver excellent dimensional stability and be able to cope with traffic of all different kinds, including heavy equipment, trollies and patient mobility aids.
Linoleum can achieve all of this thanks to its ‘top-coat’ lacquer, ensuring it is resistant to wear, tear, stains and scuffs. This top-coat can reduce cleaning and maintenance requirements, as well as increase long-term durability. A positive effect of this is that it does not require a wax or polymer coating after installation, resulting in less disruption and down time.
With the ever-changing demands of today’s interiors, Forbo recently launched a new and improved version of its water-based lacquer, which is applied on its Marmoleum linoleum collection: Topshield pro. Independent testing has found that this new top-coat offers three times more protection than previous versions. This new two-layer system of the Topshield pro surface finish technology makes the floor covering much more resistant, able to withstand wear and tear, as well as stains such as those from hand sanitisers and other infection control systems. All of this ensures a better and longer-lasting appearance over a longer lifespan.
However, it isn’t just durability and sustainability where linoleum succeeds. Aesthetics are not left behind, with many flooring manufacturers continuing to update their portfolios to reflect modern architectural trends. This provides architects and specifiers with a variety of design choices to choose from, giving even more options for the creation of relaxed and contemporary interiors that better benefit patient and staff well-being.
Flooring in healthcare can present a range of challenges for architects and specifiers. As such, it’s important to take a holistic approach to specification and keep all performance requirements, such as aesthetics, durability, sustainability and hygiene, in mind. Only then can floor coverings that will have a positive impact on the environments into which they’re being installed be selected.