Factors to Consider When Choosing Hospital Flooring

Flooring is considered to be an important design element in a healthcare environment. According to various research studies, careful selection of healthcare design elements can help improve patient care. It also plays a vital role in enhancing medical outcomes and reducing medical waste and errors. Similar to other design elements, hospital flooring should also be taken care of. This is important because flooring tends to influence the outcome of each space to a great extent.

For instance, many hospitals prefer luxury vinyl flooring because it is easy to maintain and looks good. It is also easy to install and offers wide range of design options including, stone or ceramic look, wooden look or natural earthy tones. Since luxury vinyl floors have an abrasive-resistant wear layer, the need to use labor and chemicals for routine cleaning is reduced. It also prevents damage and staining caused by medically used chemicals.

Apart from luxury vinyl, many hospitals also opt for rubber and solid vinyl floors. A wide range of color combinations and textures are available in rubber flooring. It offers a cushioned, safe surface and is naturally resistant to damage caused by gouges. Many hospitals swear by the benefit of rubber due to its slip-resistance properties. It helps reduce patient falls and injuries. Textured and raised patterns in rubber flooring enable water and dirt to drain off the walking surface. This increases slip resistance and traction.

Another attractive yet effective option is solid vinyl tiles, the built of which helps control fungi and bacteria. It is available in various aesthetic options that can complement any type of décor in the hospital.

Factors to consider:

When choosing safety flooring options for hospitals, it is necessary to look for the best. For instance, rubber is an effective option but hospitals need to avoid rubber flooring that contains recycled tyres. Only high quality rubber with eco-label should be considered for a healthcare environment if you want to enjoy comfort, good slip resistance, reduced maintenance and effective acoustic properties.

In last few years, the healthcare design industry, especially hospitals have started focusing on the importance of choosing the right flooring. They have realized that their choice of flooring material can deliver various benefits to the patients as well as healthcare providers. There are various criteria based on which hospitals need to choose a flooring material.

For instance rubber flooring is quite comfortable underfoot, requires less maintenance and is highly efficient in controlling infection. However, if costing is the top criteria, VCT or sheet vinyl can be the best option. PVC flooring is avoided in hospitals because during its manufacturing process and disposal toxic compounds are emitted. It needs extensive maintenance and during cleaning it can pose logistical problems.

Another option known as Linoleum is not suitable for many areas in a hospital such as operation theaters and treatment rooms. This is because linoleum adsorbs moisture. Apart from selecting the right material, hospitals also need to ensure safe installation of the flooring for better results.

Summary:

Be it rubber, vinyl or linoleum, when choosing safety flooring options for hospital flooring, it is necessary to look for the best.

Preeti is an interior designer and loves to experiment with vinyl flooring. Her write-ups are very useful for people looking to change their home flooring or school flooring.