James White of Record UK looks at the important role of cleanrooms and hermetically sealing door systems in healthcare environments – as well as providing useful guidance on their specification
Patient wellbeing is of critical importance within healthcare settings and adherence to stringent hygiene standards is paramount to protect against secondary infection. Hospital doors are no exception, they serve a dual function: they not only regulate access but also minimise and mitigate the transmission of airborne microorganisms and particles.
So, what is the role of a hermetically sealing door system?
Primarily, hermetically sealing doors play an integral role in infection control by helping to maintain a sterile environment both during and post-surgery. The spread of secondary infections can pose a risk to life, so it is essential to minimise the transmission of infection-causing bacteria.
Enhanced energy efficiency can be attained by minimising or halting airflow and reducing the transfer of conditioned air between rooms. This efficiency boost leads to lower energy consumption and decreased associated costs.
It is often the case in the medical field, for instance in operating theatres, that doors support the maintenance of a sterile environment via hermetic closing action and easy clean qualities.
Early-stage specification considerations
So how do manufacturers convey the process when supporting an architect? To answer some of these questions you need to consider all the features, benefits, material choices and other options for hermetically sealing and cleanroom door systems.
A large range of materials are available for the door leaf core and surface finishes, as well as the design of the door frames and sealing system. This ensures that manufacturers can accommodate a wide range of applications.
Every manufacturer worth their salt will have a local specification manager who will gladly guide you through all the options no matter how bespoke your requirements might be.
The available features and materials can be mixed and matched (within reason) to meet the precise needs of the healthcare facility you are working on.
For hermetic sealing, the options include airborne pathogen and particle protection, and airflow interruption. The options for cleanrooms are water resistant with an inorganic core, and antimicrobial hygienic surfaces.
In terms of lined doors, the options include: X-ray protection, radiation protection, laser protection. Lastly there are features for fire and smoke resistance, and sound insulation (to 39 dB).
Material selection
From high-performance laminate (HPL) and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) to anodised aluminium, and AISI304 stainless steel there are many choices in material to suit all applications.
Modular design – building on a basic model
As well as the many combinations there are door leaf formats including single leaf sliding, bi-part sliding, telescopic sliding, and swing doors, all of which can either be manually operated or automated to suit traffic flow and efficiency.
By building on a basic model, many bespoke versions for special applications can be created. For example, protection against electrons, x-rays and gamma rays can be provided with the addition of a full surface lead insert within the door leaf, in the inside of the frame profiles as well as the plinth itself.
A certified smoke control door can be created by adding modified seals and a heat-absorbing core. Adding in a fire-retardant core and additional intumescent seals a fully EI30 door can be delivered.
Besides offering a range of surface finishes and custom door leaf core, the doors can also be fitted with various sizes of windows, integrated blinds (manual or powered), and even laser protection according to specific requirements. Mechanical and electrical locks are available, as well as various models of cantilever-type handles.
In summary, hygienic door systems are an essential part of preventing the spread of airborne pathogens and particles within healthcare settings.
James White is national specification manager for healthcare at Record UK (an ASSA ABLOY Company)