Hospitals are places where silence is important. Not only in order to promote rest and recovery of patients, but also to enable staff to carry out their work properly and to be able to communicate quickly. Therefore, the furniture to be used must be equipped with systems to reduce or prevent noise. Do you know the types of end caps available?
Features of the types of hospital end caps
When choosing between the different types of hospital end caps, the features of them have to be taken into account, in such a way that the material used or the hardness allows the objectives to be achieved. The aspects to be evaluated are as follows:
Noise level to be reduced
In hospitals, a large part of the furniture uses castors to make it easier and quicker to move around and to be able to use equipment and instruments quickly. However, in all rooms and surgeries there are always visitor chairs and some elements that are fixed. These, when moved, cause noise that can be annoying to those around them.
Since noise reduction must be total, as it’s not just about who is on the same floor, but also who is on the same floor, but also noise through floors and ceilings, when choosing between the types of end caps, maximum noise protection should be sought.
Soil type used
Another relevant aspect is the type of flooring in the rooms, as the level of friction varies. But so does the compatibility between materials or the damage that the mats may cause to the ground. The more delicate this, as in the case of wood, the harder the end cap must be, the more likely it is to be scratched. In addition, rubber should be used, as it is the most suitable material.
In the case of ceramic floors, the resistance they present is much higher, although this is not the material used in all areas. The finish should also be assessed, which can be smoother or rougher. And when it comes to synthetic flooring, it is recommended to use virgin materials, as they prevent static electricity from building up, which encourages the accumulation of dirt.
Cleaning
As mentioned above, some of the materials used in some types of mats encourage the accumulation of dust and dirt. This is often the case when plastics are chosen and combined with flooring that does not offer the best compatibility. It should be noted that, in hospitals, hygiene must also be maximised, and the mats themselves can either contribute to this or be a hindrance.
Slippage
End caps are an intermediate point between the sliding of the furniture so that it can be easily rolled and the excessive movement that could lead to a fall. In hospitals, it is important to have anti-slip properties, for which rubber is customary, but at the same time allow smooth and noise-free rolling, for the reasons detailed above.
Durability
The flow of patients in hospitals is constant and continuous, so the wear and tear on the furniture is high. When it comes to manufacturing it and choosing the right types of mats for it, we must also focus on materials that offer good strength and increase durability, with bases that are kept in good condition. And in addition to this, also the position, because all too often we see parts that, due to weight and movement, move out of place.
At FORTAPS, we specialise in the manufacture of mats and, thanks to our long experience in the field, we are able to offer a wide range of products for each furniture and space. If you need advice, contact us!
