Safer antimicrobial trunking solutions

Now, more than ever, keeping spaces hygienic is a critical consideration for building owners. Here, Jon Chamberlain, Sales Director at Marshall-Tufflex, explains how antimicrobial cable trunking systems can help.

Any surface within a building that people come into contact with regularly has the potential to spread bacteria. The position of cable management perimeter trunking means intentional and accidental contact with it is common and therefore, must be kept clean and bacteria-free. Products with antimicrobial properties can stop the growth of bacteria, reducing the chance of transmission between people.

One of the most effective forms of continual, built-in antimicrobial protection is silver ion based technology. Silver ions manufactured into the surface of the PVC-U or ABS disrupt the key cell functions of bacteria and prevent them from reproducing. Due to the short lifespans of bacteria, if it cannot reproduce and grow it cannot survive to be passed on. The presence of silver ions in the material has been proven to reduce the bacteria surviving on the surface by 99.9%. This includes Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli).

While cable management systems with antimicrobial properties are commonly selected for healthcare environments, they also have benefits for a wide variety of high traffic buildings. These include schools, colleges and universities as well as sports centres, leisure facilities and gyms. When combined with a robust cleaning regime, the antimicrobial properties can protect those using the building from the risks of bacteria spreading.

However, not all systems are built to the same standard so when choosing the products, it is important to consider how they are manufactured. Any antimicrobial trunking systems should meet the ISO 22196:2011 standard and be compliant with the European Biocidal Products Directive (BPD).

Furthermore, the silver ion formulation can be incorporated into the material in two main ways. It can either be added to the PVC-U when it is manufactured or applied to the surface post-production. 

Products where the silver ions are integral in the material offer a more reliable and long-lasting protection as damage to the surface does not undermine its effectiveness. If the coated trunking is scratched or damaged, which is very common over time in busy, high traffic environments, this will leave areas where the bacteria can survive and multiply.

Finally, it is always advisable to look at the design of the trunking and select a product that has a smooth surface with minimal corners and crevices. Trunking that is easy to clean effectively helps contribute to a safer, more hygienic environment. 

Marshall-Tufflex’s Odyssey and Sterling Curve Profile 1 trunking systems are available as standard with Bio antimicrobial protection. 

To find out more about the Marshall-Tufflex range of cable management systems visit www.marshall-tufflex.com.