Healthcare Solutions: Keeping Patients Safe

Hospitals, behavioral health facilities and detention centers are at high-risk for sentinel suicide events, even when regular monitoring checks are in place. Statistics from 2010-2017 show that over 70 percent of suicide attempts during hospital inpatient treatment utilized a ligature or strangulation point and almost 54 percent of those used a door or door hardware.

To mitigate suicide risk more effectively facilities are making an effort to create spaces to keep patients safe from self-harm.

Allegion HSLR Series

Schlage® offers a comprehensive portfolio of door hardware that reduces the risk of injury or death due to ligature strangulation in all areas, but the High Security Ligature Resistant (HSLR) trim is especially recommended for high risk applications. The patented crescent-style handle design has quickly become the standard for ligature resistance and accessibility and is recognized by the widely-accepted New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS-OMH) Patient Safety Standard.

The HSLR ligature resistant trim is available for both the Schlage L Series mortise lock and Schlage ND Series cylindrical lock.

A unique feature is the “Paperclip Protection*” designation as determined by NYS-OMH testing.

The presence of paper clips in even the most rigorously monitored inpatient environment is difficult to control. Because paper clips may be available to patients, tests for product inclusion in the OMH Patient Safety Standards include an attempt to utilize paper clips in concert with other objects to develop ligature on tested items. It should be assumed that almost anything in the patient environment can be compromised by a paper clip; for those items that withstand the ligature testing with use of paper clips, a product may be accepted by OMH and receive a special notation indicating that it has withstood such testing methods Recommended for low, medium or high risk areas.

Additional features:

• ADA Compliant - ”no pinch, no grasp”
• Variety of mortise and cylindrical functions available, including electrified
• Supplied with Torx® security screws
• Available in 630 finishes
• BAA compliant
• Locks are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified
• UL Listed 3-hour

Note: Although designed to reduce the risk of injury or death due to ligature strangulation, the Products designated as ligature resistant are not necessarily ligature proof.

More Information: www.allegion.us

Marks USA

MARKS USA is well known for their standard product line in the locksmith distributor trade and contract hardware markets. Marks USA provides the following security and lockset solutions:

• Mortise Locksets
• Cylindrical Locksets
• Electrified Locksets
• Tubular Locksets
• Deadbolts/Deadlatches
• Ornamental Iron/Security Storm Door Locksets
• Woven Wire Gate Locks
• Custom Designed Locksets
• Exit Devices & Door Closers
• Institutional Life Safety
• Hospital Push/Pulls
• HI-SECURITY Cylinders

MARKS 195BH Series D-Lig Slide Behavioral Health Cylindrical Locksets:

• Rating: ANSI A156.2 Grade 1, UL Listed 3Hr Fire Rating
• 5- Point Ligature Resistant Slide Trim
• Backset: 2 3/4” Standard, 2 3/8”, 3 3/4” and 5” available
• Latch: #1834, stainless Steel Nose
• Ergonomic solid cast Stainless Steel Slide, Slides down freely in the locked or unlocked position
• Escutcheon Plate solid cast Stainless Steel thru bolted for strength and easy installation
• Meets BHMA 156.34 Anti Ligature Trim Standard
• Tamper Resistant mounting screws
• Strike: #1135, 4 7/8” ASA curved lip Strike
• Door Thickness: 1 3/4”, consult factory for thicker doors
• Cylinder: Conventional Key n Knob Cylinder, Marks “C” Keyway, 6 pin w/2 keys – Available in IC and all OEM cylinder preps
• Marks Hi-Security Cylinder available
• Marks Stainless Steel Retractor - Long life 3X the BHMA Grade 1 cycle Standard
•  Antimicrobial Finish available – Code AM
• Marks Lifetime Mechanical Warranty
•  Available in Most BHMA ANSI Functions

Standard & HI-SECURITYTM IC Core Models:

• Interchangeable Core models for 6 or 7 pin cores (not included).
• Accepts: Marks, Marks HI-SECURITY, Medeco® , KeyMarkTM, Falcon, Schlage® small format & Best®
• (IC Core Tailpieces ARE Included.)

MARKS USA 5BH Series D-Lig Slide Behavioral Health Mortise Locksets

• Rating: ANSI A156.13 Grade 1, UL Listed 3Hr Fire Rating
• 5- Point Ligature Resistant slide Trim
• Backset: 2 3/4” Standard, 2 1/2” Consult Factory
• Latch: #1834, stainless Steel Nose
• Ergonomic solid cast Stainless Steel Slide, Slides down freely in the locked or unlocked position
• Escutcheon Plate solid cast Stainless Steel thru bolted for strength and easy installation
• Meets BHMA 156.34 Anti Ligature Trim Standard
• Tamper Resistant mounting screws
• Ligature Resistant ADA Thumbturn available where applicable
• Strike: #1135, 4 7/8” ASA curved lip Strike
• Door Thickness: 1 3/4”, consult factory for thicker doors
• Cylinder: Conventional Key n Knob Cylinder, Marks “C” Keyway, 6 pin w/2 keys – Available in IC and all OEM cylinder preps
• Marks Hi-Security Cylinder available
• Marks Stainless Steel Retractor - Long life 3X the BHMA Grade 1 cycle Standard
• Antimicrobial Finish available – Code AM
•  Marks Lifetime Mechanical Warranty
• Available in Most BHMA ANSI Functions

More Info: www.marksusa.com

Antimicrobial Coatings

A potential and promising weapon against bacterial growth in healthcare sector has been found in AntiMicrobial Coatings (AMCs).

A hospital-acquired infection (HAI), also known as a nosocomial infection, is an infection that is acquired in a hospital or other health care facility. Such an infection can be acquired in hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation facility, outpatient clinic, diagnostic laboratory or other clinical settings. Infection is spread to the susceptible patient in the clinical setting by various means. Health care staff also spread infection, in addition to contaminated equipment, bed linens, or air droplets. The infection can originate from the outside environment, another infected patient, staff that may be infected, or in some cases, the source of the infection cannot be determined.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated roughly 1.7 million hospital-associated infections, from all types of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi combined, cause or contribute to 99,000 deaths each year.

In Europe, where hospital surveys have been conducted, the category of gram-negative infections are estimated to account for two-thirds of the 25,000 deaths each year.

Many types of these infections display antimicrobial resistance, which can complicate treatment.

Despite the importance of cleaning and disinfection of frequently-touched surfaces and monitoring the hygiene of these surfaces, it has been shown that less than half of the near patient surfaces are regularly cleaned, thus paving the way to HCAIs. Therefore, new approaches are required to reduce microbial activity, associated infections and the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

We asked for William J. Sporre, Sr. VP, Sales, Alarm Lock - Marks USA, for his perspective on antimicrobial finishes:

“We offer the AM finish as a small upcharge to all of our Healthcare product line. Most facilities pass on the finish as they feel 32D stainless steel and their cleaning regiment are sufficient to keeping the product safe and germ free. The best finish to keep germs at bay is cooper with no lacquer but, copper tarnishes and that  would look unclean.”

(Editor’s note: This stance taken by some facilities reflects the problem of weak monitoring and enforcement of the regulations associated with reducing hospital acquired infection.)

Marks USA uses SterilcoatAM®, Protech’s line of anti-microbial powder coatings that prevent the spread of dangerous micro-organisms and suppress the growth of mold and bacteria. 

Independent laboratory results show a significant decrease in microbial population on surfaces coated with SterilcoatAM®. These powders are formulated to provide this protection over an extended period of time and frequent washings of a sterilcoatAM® finished surface will not reduce the powder’s anti-bacterial properties. SterilcoatAM® powders are extremely durable and demonstrate outstanding chemical and stain resistance.

They are available in a wide range of colors and textures and can be formulated in any chemistry. SterilcoatAM® is the ideal application for hand rails, fitness equipment, bathroom partitions, hospital equipment and any other surface that may breed harmful bacteria.

 Advantages:

• SterilcoatAM® powders on finished surfaces significantly reduce microbial activity
• Protects against the spread of micro-organisms
• Inhibits the growth of dangerous bacteria and mold
• Provides protection over an extended period of time
• Retains anti-microbial properties even after repeated washings
• Can be formulated for exterior durability
• Superior chemical, stain, and scratch resistance
• Outstanding durability
• Available in a wide range of colors and textures
• Environmentally friendly

ASSA ABLOY MicroShield

MicroShield is a registered trademark of Yale Security, Inc., an ASSA ABLOY Group company.

Agion Antimicrobial technology keeps products clean and extends product lifespans using silver and copper for protection. The technology behind Agion continuously resists microbe growth and provides built-in product protection. Agion Antimicrobial can be applied to virtually any material or surface.

Leveraging copper and silver antimicrobial technology, Agion is designed to automatically release its antimicrobial components ONLY when conditions for bacteria growth are present. This capability results in the longest lasting protection against microbes.

The Agion antimicrobial is not intended as a substitute for traditional infection control programs such as hand hygiene or use of disinfectants. Coated products must still be cleaned to insure the surfaces will be free of destructive microbes. ASSA ABLOY makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the efficacy of the Agion antimicrobial. A copy of the Agion warranty is available upon request.

The Yale 6000 Series commercial exit device features a modern design and smooth, quiet operation. The new 6000 Series exit device provides an attractive, secure solution for multi-family, office, retail and other commercial facilities and is available in a variety of functions and configurations.

The Yale 6000 Series exit device is available with a choice of over 25 standard and Reflections® decorative levers and five architectural finishes to match any décor and is available with Yale’s Microshield® antimicrobial coating.

The Yale 6000 Series exit device comes in rim, mortise, surface vertical and concealed vertical rod types and in Yale’s patented SquareBolt® configuration that offers extra security over standard rim latchbolts. The 6000 Series exit device is available in wide and narrow stile and has 13 functions to choose from. All are also certified to ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 requirements to offer long life and reliability.

The 6000 Series features an aluminum rail with a heavy-duty angled end cap that protects the rail, eliminates catch points and reduces damage. Plus, the 6000 Series exit device mechanics provide quieter, smoother operation for noise-sensitive environments.

Yale 8800 Series Mortise Locks are designed and manufactured for uncompromising strength and durability in a range of commercial applications. Lock installation is made easy with quick lever handing, field reversible latchbolt and standard nonhanded strike. The 8800 Series Mortise Lock offers a new measure of security, featuring a reinforced stainless steel deadbolt, heavy-duty, vandal-resistant trim and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification for long life and durability.

Yale 8800 Series Mortise Locks are available with Microshield antimicrobial coating. Add “ YMS” suffix to order Microshield antimicrobial coating.

Features:

• ANSI/BHMA: Certified ANSI/BHMA A156.13, Series 1000, Operational Grade 1
• UL-cUL: UL/cUL fire rated up to 3 hours
• Windstorm: Certified (refer to local codes)
• Mechanism: Stainless steel
• Backset: 2-3/4"
• Latchbolt: 3/4" stainless steel throw
• Door Thickness: 1-3/4" standard, to 3-1/4" thick doors to order
• Fronts: Bevel front, free-floating to adjust from flat to standard bevel of 1/8" in 2"
• Cylinders: Brass, 6-pin, keyed-random cylinder with two keys furnished standard, 7-pin available to order
• Reversibility: Field reversible handing
• Strikes: 1-1/4" curved lip for 1-3/4" door standard; other lip lengths to special order; all reversible
• Finishes: Available in 17 finishes
• Warranty: 10 year mechanical

More Information: www.yalecommercial.com

DETEX Automatically Operated Doors (AOD)

Avoiding physical contact with doors and door hardware are obviously beneficial means towards the reduction of HAI. For this reason, and because they greatly facilitate the quick and easy movements of people, patients and medical apparatus through openings, automatic door operators are used extensively in healthcare facilities.

AOD with Electric Latch Retraction (ER): Control automatically operated doors by means of a controller that activates the operator. Electric Latch Retraction is activated before the controller signals the operator to open the door. A switch or an access control system manages the initial input that commences a sequence of activities at the controller.

Features:

• All hardware items provided with one easy-to-order, easy-to-specify part number
• Automatic Operator is pre-wired with the latch retraction power supply, making installation fast and easy
• AO19 includes adjustable time delay, push-and-go reverse on obstruction and sequencing for vestibule doors
• Heavy-duty angled end cap deflects damage away from device
• Available in various configurations, for single and paired openings

AOD with Delayed Egress and Electric Latch Retraction (EE ER): Control automatically operated doors by means of a controller that activates the operator. Electric Latch Retraction is activated before the controller signals the operator to open the door. A switch or an access control system manages the initial input that commences a sequence of activities at the controller. A delay is enforced on unauthorized exit attempts and sounds an alarm, giving staff time to respond.

Features:

• All hardware items provided with one easy-to-order, easy-to-specify part number
• Turnkey, complete with everything needed, without a complicated installation job
• Heavy-duty angled end cap deflects damage away from device
• The reliable AO19 offers all the features you expect in an automatic door operator at no extra cost
• Available in various configurations, for single and paired openings

More information: www.detex.com