»Kwalu partners with Clorox for new line of antimicrobial furnishings
Kwalu has teamed up with Clorox Healthcare® to target the reduction of healthcare associated pathogens. Kwalu’s non-coated, non-porous Clorox compatible furniture can withstand the most rigorous cleaning protocols while exceeding hospital furniture standards, the company announced.
Through the partnership, Kwalu will combine Clorox Healthcare’sportfolio of disinfectants with Kwalu’s nonporous, non-coated furnishings.
»Construction Specialties privacy curtains simplify IC concerns
Construction Specialties’ On The Right Track® system simplifies changeouts for housekeeping, thereby encouraging more regular laundering and maintenance.
“During times of heightened concern about the spread of infectious disease, many senior living providers are looking at their readiness, both today and tomorrow, to face the next healthcare crisis,” sales manager Jim McLain said.
»ComforTek announces line of swivel, lockable dining chairs
New ComforTek chairs easily move a seated person to and from the table, assist residents requiring the use of a walker to get seated, and allow spouses to enjoy a meal together when one of them requires the use of a wheelchair.
»Ecore unveils Aurora flooring
Aurora features a PUR-coated, finished, rubber-wear layer fusion bonded to an Ecore-vulcanized composition rubber backing. The finished two-layered rubber flooring is designed to reduce the severity of patient or resident injuries while mitigating liability for the owners of a healthcare facility.
Aurora is available as a standard sheet with 7mm thickness in 14 calming colors. It is ideal for a healthcare environment, as it is hygienic, due to health-welded installation; quiet; and offers ergonomic comfort for the staff, since it’s designed to reduce impact with every step. The flooring was set to be available in the second quarter.
»Battelle develops PPE decontamination system
Battelle, best known for developing military biohazard protections, announced recently it received Food and Drug Administration authorization to decontaminate personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare workers treating patients with COVID-19.
The company claims the Battelle CCDS Critical Care Decontamination System is capable of decontaminating up to 80,000 respirator masks per system each day using concentrated, vapor phase hydrogen peroxide inside its Ohio plant. The respirator masks are exposed to the validated concentration level for 2.5 hours to decontaminate biological contaminants, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Battelle CCDS can decontaminate the same respirator mask up to 20 times without degrading the mask’s performance.
Battelle was processing N95 respirator masks for OhioHealth and will begin processing respirator masks for three other major systems starting this week. It plans to set up satellite facilities in other states with hotspots, under the emergency clearance provision.
A team at the Duke Regional Biocontainment Laboratory said it has decontaminated hundreds of N95 respirators without damage and shared its process online in mid-April. The researchers also have been using hydrogen peroxide vapor.
»CDC guidance issued on COVID-19 surface viability
Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that leads to COVID-19 infection, may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 in households and community settings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The agency recommends placing alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% to 95% alcohol in all common areas, and strongly advises all bathroom surfaces be cleaned and disinfected after each use. This includes toilets, faucets and sinks.
