Door Hardware Cross Contamination

Door Hardware: Controlling Cross-Contamination





By Thomas A. Westerkamp  
OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLEPt. 1: Door Hardware: Battery-Operated Combination Lock Requires No WiringPt. 2: Door Hardware: O&M Manuals Contain Parts Lists, Wiring DiagramsPt. 3: Door Hardware: Technician Training Critical with Advanced TechnologyPt. 4: This Page


In recent years, manufacturers have improved the designs and materials for mechanical and electric door-hardware components to meet end-user needs.

One timely example involves current concerns about seasonal and H1N1 flu. Maintenance and engineering managers are increasingly concerned about cross-contamination that can help the viruses spread. Door hardware and elevator push buttons are high-contact areas and require sanitizing to minimize bacterial cross-contamination.

In response, manufacturers have developed anti-bacteria, silver-ion coatings that inhibit the growth of algae, bacteria, mold, and mildew on these surfaces.

Tests have shown that copper alloys also possess similar properties. These measures do not eliminate the need for proper cleaning and sanitizing, but they can act as a secondary deterrent to germ growth.

DOORS AND HARDWARE RESOURCES

American Hardware Manufacturers Association, www.ahma.org

Associated Locksmiths of America, www.aloa.org

American National Standards Institute, www.ansi.org

American Society for Industrial Security, www.asisonline.org

Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, www.buildershardware.com

International Code Council, www.iccsafe.org

The Construction Specifications Institute, www.csinet.org

Door and Hardware Institute, www.dhi.org

Window and Door Manufacturers Association, www.wdma.com

National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org




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  posted on 12/1/2009   Article Use Policy




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