USA | English (US)
Healthcare environments are home to a variety of activities, creating a challenge for the designers and contractors trying to specify a floor covering option with properties that address these activities. Furthermore, a floor that still supports a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
Rubber flooring offers multiple benefits to meet various challenges. From a clean and hygienic environment, improved indoor air quality and slip resistance to comfort underfoot, good acoustics and protection against electrostatic discharge, rubber flooring helps create safe spaces that foster healing and better health.
Promoting Good Indoor Air Quality
Rubber flooring contributes to improved indoor air quality as it does not contain PVC, nor does it require waxing, stripping or the application of sealants.
Repelling Bacteria and Dirt
Rubber flooring’s dense, nonporous surface makes the floor naturally resistant to bacteria, fungi and micro-organisms, helping prevent infection. The floor also helps repel dirt, making it easier to clean with just a mop and water. Faster maintenance protocols mean little to no downtime for patient rooms, corridors and other essential areas, which is critical in busy healing facilities that operate around the clock.
Preventing Slips and Falls
The slip-resistant properties of rubber often exceed OSHA recommendations for slip resistance, providing extra traction that makes for a reliable and safe surface. Further, if a fall does occur, the floor’s resilience cushions impact and reduces the chance of serious injury. Rubber flooring also offers low resistance to wheeled equipment, allowing for more fluid rolling and reducing over-exertion of staff.
Improving Ergonomics and Acoustics
While hard, unforgiving flooring surfaces can cause fatigue and negatively impact performance, softer, more cushioned rubber flooring helps prevent muscle fatigue and aches. Rubber’s content and structure make for a resilient surface, easing the stress of walking and standing for long periods.
The beneficial acoustic properties of rubber flooring also contribute to a safe, healing environment. As unwanted noise is diminished, patients are better able to rest and recover while healthcare professionals can better concentrate, retain information and respond to patients’ needs.
Protecting Electronic Equipment
In areas where sensitive electronic equipment is in use, static dissipative flooring like rubber can help protect the equipment while offering the advantage of minimum charging propensity.
Download our Rubber Floors Support A Safe, Healthy Environment whitepaper to learn more.