Hand-washing stations – mobile and effective

By Denis Sirois, President and General Manager

The research was of one Canadian hospital clearly indicated the unsatisfactory rate of people washing their hands upon entering or exiting hospitals. So, they tried placing wall-mounted hand sanitizing dispensers at the hospital entrances. The results however, were not much improved. The study showed that this type of hand sanitizer was not very effective, because the potential user has to make a detour in order to reach this antiseptic gel. Often it did not even get that far. People entering or exiting the building frequently ignored the infection control product because it failed to get their attention.

To solve this problem in 2007, I, Denis Sirois as President of Medic Acces designed the Model B hand-washing station in order to answer to the needs and standards of hospitals and health centers, etc. This product is effective, mobile, and visible. Therefore, it is really used by the people and thus helps to control the spread of infectious diseases (cough, cold and fever). Since then, this station has been a huge success in health care establishments all across Canada.

Here are some very interesting facts concerning the Model B Hand-washing station: its safety, stability, mobility, strength, and most of all its interchangeable signs.

*Safety and Stability

The pressure that must be applied to the dispenser to obtain antiseptic gel varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, with the Model B Station, variations in pressure by users will not destabilize the station. It is designed to ensure great stability with its steel plate weighing 78 lbs and measuring 16,00in by 16,00in at its base. It is not only sturdy but, more importantly, extremely safe. The Model B Station stands on four non-slip rubber pads which when combined with the weight of the base, prevents it from sliding on any type of surface. In addition, the vertical bar is welded on an angle to increase stability when dispensers are put to use.

*Mobility

When the station needs to be moved quickly to a new area or displaced for cleaning purposes, whether by maintenance or the medical staff, especially during emergencies the station has to be easy to work with. To facilitate the jobs of staff members concerned the station can be tilted on its side, where the two wheels are mounted. From there the station becomes mobile and can easily be moved by maintenance, medical staff.

*The Strength of the Station

To ensure quality we use the best products. The strong vertical low alloy steel bar allows most of the accessories available on the market to be attached using self-tapping screws. These screws do not risk coming loose through movement or aging. That is why we abandoned the idea of using aluminum for this purpose as it is too soft a metal compared with low alloy steel. To complete the look and to prevent rust, the station is coated with white, electrostatic paint, without solvent, and is baked at a high temperature which solidifies the steel making it suitable for indoor use as well as outdoor use.

*Interchangeable information signs

These signs are made of rigid styrene (plastic). All printing is in high-definition and is made on vinyl using UV pigmentation ink, which is then covered with a long lasting protective film. The purpose of this is to have good, attractive colour and avoid risk of fading. Due to the protective film it can be cleaned with normal disinfecting products. On the back of the hand-washing stations signs an aluminum hook, as well as a magnet are fixed in place so messages can be quickly and easily changed. These messages can inform people of such things as breakouts, infected areas and other urgent or helpful information.

*Isolation station (iso)

Here's something else. Along with the station B, we have also designed the Isolation Station. This Station targets the protection of the patient as well as the staff and the visitors. This unit is placed against the wall near the door of the patient's room. It can hold the information and equipment needed prior to accessing the isolated patient. The following necessities can be attached on the station for doctors, nurses and visitors: antiseptic gel dispenser, three boxes of gloves (small, medium, and large), a box of mask, standard virucidal wipes, a disposal for gowns, a shelf for a medicine tray, and a hook at the back of the station to hold a clip board with the patients medical history (for medical personnel). Included with this station customers will receive a magnetized plaque 3 & 3/4in by 7 & 3/4in on which "isolation" is marked. This sign is to be placed on the door frame where isolation is needed.

This unit is designed on the same lines as the Model B Station. Even when everything listed above is placed on it, it only occupies 16.00in. by 16.00in.. Thus the unit is space saving. On the bottom of this station there are four wheels (with brakes). This feature makes it easy to transport from room to room instead of moving objects one at a time. This product, then, is perfect for emergency situations and for patients that requiring isolation.

We can guarantee that the mobile hand-washing stations are high quality products that give satisfactory service, both in dispensing products as well as information, for many years to come. Their safety, stability, mobility, and strength are perfect for hospitals, health clinics, and sports centers, etc.