The Use of Carpet Tiles in Healthcare Industry
We recognize that special flooring considerations are required by hospitals and health care facilities. The design of healthcare flooring solutions with patients and care workers in mind, taking into account the requirements of care facilities for heavy usage, protection, comfort and infection control. High-traffic and safe solutions for healthcare flooring will lead to the rehabilitation of patients and the productivity of medical workers. Manufacturers are designing sustainable flooring solutions that benefit the environment and contribute to health and well-being.
Recent developments were evolutionary in carpeting. Manufacturers offer a broader variety of sizes, fabrics and colors to healthcare facilities, as well as materials that are easier to clean and install. These developments have highlighted the advantages of carpet tiles for hospital facilities, which include protection, aesthetics and acoustics or sound absorption — benefits that are especially important in health care environments.
The mobility factor
Manufacturers claim that pushing wheeled surgical carts and gurneys over modern carpet products is faster, according to research and development. Interface initiated mobility research focused on a hospital bed plus a patient of 200 pounds some 10 years ago to assess the ease of mobility of our various facial constructions compared to hard surface and direct-glued broadloom. The secret to versatility on a carpet surface is the dimensional stability of the backrest plus the face structure density and height.
Carpet surface cleaning has come a long way too. Manufacturers now sell smaller, quieter, and more effective products. Hot water extraction today requires a dry-time of at least two hours. Spot cleaners speed up the cycle and thus save time and money. This is a major benefit in hospitals, because maintenance requires less chemical cleaners. The material is also resistant to discoloration and deterioration from chemicals commonly used in health care environments.
Carpet tiles is extends to more non-critical areas in hospitals, experts believe. For years, Carpet was used in computer rooms, elevators, offices, meeting centers, stores, and waiting areas. However, a growing awareness of the carpet’s multi-attribute value is pushing it into patient care halls, diagnostic imaging suites, dry physical therapy areas, test and procedure rooms, nursing stations, and patient rooms.
