Creating Safer Spaces with Antimicrobial Film—What to Know
Keeping surfaces microbe-free is especially important these days, especially with the threat of the Coronavirus and its propensity to stick on surfaces. There are times when you can’t always wipe down a surface every time it is touched, leaving you exposed and vulnerable. As such, investing in an antimicrobial film that can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces is your best option.
How can antimicrobial film help protect me?
Unlike other pathogens that have some sort of body and are alive, one viral microbe outside its host body is only really some DNA covered in a bit of protein. However, a virus can survive for hours or days on various surfaces, waiting for a host body to come and pick it up so it can continue to replicate and infect people again.
Microbial surface protection films can prevent this from happening, as it creates a surface that’s inhospitable to viruses and other microbes. This can be used on commonly touched surfaces, such as tables and surrounding areas with glass, to kill bacteria.
How antimicrobial films works
Glass film distribution companies provide all kinds of film, including those like Hexis Purezone, which works by infusing the material with antimicrobial properties that will last years.
They typically use silver, which has been known to treat wounds and illnesses, while warding off pathogens that may cause infection. Silver ions are used in these types of films to kill off bacteria and slow down the spread of the Coronavirus. It should be used along with good disinfection and hygiene measures to create a safe environment free of harmful microbes.
Applying antimicrobial film on surfaces
To cover flat surfaces, always start by cleaning it and assume that your substrate (the surface the film is being applied to) is dirty and needs to be cleaned for a better application process.
Anti-microbial tints are most useful in hospitals, as they have surfaces that are prone to bacteria and viruses. In many cases, this will require compliance with requirements on hygiene and safety, which depends on what kind of rooms it will be installed on. For office environments, it’s required that the film tint being applied falls under conforms to ISO 22196 standards on the measurement of antimicrobial activity on surfaces.
When applying microbial films in hospitals, the following precautions below should be followed:
- Wear clean cotton shirt and trousers;
- Use shoe covers;
- Wear disposable latex gloves; and
- Use a stainless steel trolley. These must be completely clean and used only at the hospital.
A similar set of guidelines can be used when applying the microbial tint to an office setting, though perhaps not as stringent. Using gloves and clean tools, however, must still be observed.
Uses for antimicrobial films
This kind of film can be used on windows, glass doors, screens, display cases, and other flat surfaces. Places such as laboratories, hospitals, offices, schools, and other establishments where a virus could pose a threat to human life are perfect for antimicrobial films.
Like most kinds of films, these can come in transparent filters so as not to hinder visibility wherever it’s used. A more opaque tint can also be used to afford some privacy to certain rooms while offering protection that you need.
Conclusion
Protecting yourself and those around you should be done in as many ways as possible to ensure everyone’s safety. While people need to continue practising good hygiene, securing all factors in the environment is also a necessary step to ensure that harmful microbes don’t put anybody at risk.
The surfaces around you are more dangerous than they ever were. Don’t let it take any casualties when it can easily be prevented. Are you looking for window film distributors in Australia to install antimicrobial films on your establishment’s surfaces? Here at Premier Film Distribution, we offer a wide range of wholesale film brands, including 3M, SlarGard, Suntek, and Hexis Pure Zone. To know more about the highest quality films that we offer, visit our website today!