Gerflor solutions for public building disinfection

As a long term expert of ultra cleanliness and leading supplier of floor and wall surfaces for healthcare or cleanroom applications, Gerflor is here to help you ! …  Now more than ever, we know hygiene is your top concern, whatever is your application (education, offices, retail, …)

Basics about disinfection

Millions of micro-organisms (virus, bacteria, fungi, …) are inside public buildings, most of them being unhazardous. Cleaning or disinfection can be more difficult depending on the type of micro-organism :

A Virus is a very small micro-organism made of genetic content (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a proteic enveloppe. It needs a living host to develop. It cannot live on its own.​ Virus like covid-19 can “survive” from few hours to few days on a neutral surface.

​Main source of contamination is human.

First step is always the same : CLEANING = to remove all residues and dirt (organic or non-organic) from surfaces.​ To use detergents including surfactants which help dissolving the impurities and removing the biofilms containing the microorganims

If you want to eliminate or inhibit microorganisms​, then you must go one step further DISINFECTION.

Apply disinfectants

The most common protocol is to apply disinfectants
	Flexible & Cost effective Suitable for busy environments Suitable for open spaces		Chemical products Needs care about dilution rate

We have screened 4 main other methods with pros and cons​.

Water Steam disinfection

Only water + temperature and pressure Promoted by decision makers looking for environmentally friendly protocols		No chemicals Cost
		Effects depend on duration, temperature, distance, … => very fluctuating results => less and less promoted Noise Not suitable for large areas

UV disinfection

Lamp with UV C (240 – 280 nm --> 254 nm most effective wavelength) destroy microorganisms. Method already used for : - Liquids : water… - Surfaces : conveyor belt, workplan … - Gas/air : food preparation, air conditioning..		No chemicals
		Cannot be used in an occupied room Dangerous for humans (Need personal protective equipment) Areas not exposed to UV are not disinfected (hidden areas)

Gas disinfection (O3)

Generator transforms O2 into O3 (Ozone) – Ambient Temperature Residual Ozone (O3) gets back into Oxygen (O2) after a few minutes Already used to decontaminate in Food industries, Transport (Bus) & Fitness rooms		Entire room disinfection
		Closed and sealed areas Small areas/rooms Cannot be used in an occupied room. Need empty spaces Corrosive/dangerous for health

Gas disinfection (H202)

Vapor form of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) – Ambient temperature Already used to decontaminate enclosed and sealed areas : Laboratory cleanrooms		No chemicals Entire room disinfection
		Cost Closed and sealed / Small areas Controlled environment (T°C/RH) Cannot be used in an occupied room Corrosive for surfaces

Vinyl Floors & Walls comply with all these methods as long as product manufacturer recommendations are strictly followed​. There might be some risks for products (yellowing, stains, …) if dilution rate for example are not respected.

Vinyl Best in Class

Vinyl is the most appropriate product to specify for floors and walls to meet disinfection protocols requirements​.

Why vinyl flooring is the best choice

	Vinyl	Rubber	Ceramic	Resin	Carpet	Wood & Laminate
Surface resistance to chemical disinfectants (bleach, …)	Coating / Surface treatment High resistance to chemicals (ISO26987)
Surface resistance to high T° Vapor / Steam	Water resistant & rotproof
Surface resistance to UV	UV = same as our surface treatment
Surface resistance to Gas	Cleanroom experience
Mechanical cleaning action resistance	Load & wear resistance
Liquid / Watertightness	Hot Welding
Wall & Floor junction (dirt traps …)	Coving / Hot welding between wall & floor

ISO26987)

Why Vinyl wall & handrails are the ideal complement to your floor

	Vinyl	Ceramic	Paint	Wood & Laminate	Paper
Surface resistance to chemical disinfectants (bleach, …)	Coating / Surface treatments
Surface resistance to high T° Vapor / Steam	Water resistant & rotproof
Surface resistance to UV	UV = same as our surface treatment
Surface resistance to Gas	Cleanroom experience
Liquid / Watertightness	Hot Welding
Wall & Floor junction (dirt traps …)	Coving / Clean Corner System / Hot Weldingbetween floor & wall

Matting

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Handrails

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Welding rods

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Decoclean

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Clean Corner System

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 Our experts remain at your disposal to answer your questions.