The Smart Materials Sector of the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network and the BSI held a one day workshop that looked at the current standards for testing antimicrobial hard surfaces, with a focus on the challenges of the healthcare and food sectors.
Researchers presented two different test systems, conducted under conditions representative of indoor environments and typical contamination events. The differences between these and the current ISO 22196:2007, conducted at 35 degrees C and >90% humidity, were highlighted.
It was concluded unanimously by the 68 attendees
- representing acadaemia, healthcare, the food industry and the component supply chain
- that current standards were inadequate as they did not reflect typical in-use conditions. Two standardisation pathways were proposed
- a Publicly Available Standard (potentially faster but requiring funding by interested parties) and a British Standard (requiring support from BSI and identification of an appropriate committee). CDA's position is that, due to the importance of a new standard in terms of demonstrating performance of materials for the protection of public health, the full British Standard route should be progressed as the quickest way to an EN and an ISO.
Join the Smart Materials KTN
Antimicrobial Hard Surfaces Group to access the presentations, read the full report and express your support for the development of a new British Standard.
Pegler Yorkshire - a household name in the field of plumbing and heating - has launched a range of Antimicrobial Copper taps for use in the hospital environment.
A workshop for all links in the healthcare supply chain to address growing interest in, and requirements for, antimicrobial copper products will take place on April 24th in Birmingham.
