Hospitals and clinics have demanding flooring requirements. Not only should the material be clean, slip and germ resistant and capable of withstanding heavy usage, different areas of the facility will have specific needs. Below is an overview of the flooring for hospitals that must be used in specific areas.
The Lobby
This is the initial area of contact that most hospital visitors will encounter. It is also the location which receives the heaviest rolling and foot traffic. As such, the surface must be extremely durable yet stylish so it makes a great first impression. Two of the best flooring materials for this area are Luxury Vinyl Tile and Terrazo which are durable yet extremely attractive. Both will last for decades, are made with recycled materials and are accessible to those who are handicapped.
Corridors and Hallways
These pathways are the hospital’s primary arteries and are the method used to connect from one area to another. Like the lobby, they will see heavy usage from visitors, staff, and the movement of equipment like stretchers, wheelchairs, and med carts. The ideal flooring for this area must be a material that can be quickly installed to reduce disruptions yet it must also be extremely durable with low maintenance requirements. LVT is a great material for this area along with rubber, as they both use protective coatings which are resistant to scratches while lowering noise.
Cafeterias
This is where staff and patients gather to eat and the flooring used here must be hygienic. Additionally, it must be resistant to stains since there is a high likelihood of people dropping or spilling food over time and the surface should also be slip retardant so that people do not fall down easily. Many flooring experts recommend using patterned or decorative flooring in this area since it will mask scratches and scuffs.
Treatment and Nurse Rooms
These are the areas where patients and staff will spend most of their time. Nurse rooms or stations must always be open so the flooring used here must promote comfort and relaxation and be simple to install so that downtime is minimized. While vinyl composition tile and linoleum were the materials of choice in the past, in recent year’s hospitals have begun using BBT (bio-based tile) or sheet tile since they offer protective coatings and have a reduced need for chemical cleaning, waxing or buffing.
Emergency or Operating Rooms
These are some of the most sensitive areas of the hospital and they have very strict standards to keep infection under control. They are used twenty four hours a day and the flooring should consist of a material that is simple to clean with a smooth texture. It must be installed in a way where fluids and dirt are eliminated and should be resistant to slips and falls. The best materials for emergency or operating rooms include sheet, linoleum and LVT since they incorporate flash coving and heat welding during their installation, which means that they are completely aseptic.