Choosing the correct material for worktops in clinical settings is critical to ensure they meet the high demands and regulations of healthcare spaces.
Materials have different properties, and not all are suited to every situation. It is important to understand the environment that the worktops will be used in and what they will be used for to ensure that the correct products are chosen.
Here we look at the key considerations when selecting worktops in hospitals and other clinical settings and the pros and cons of different materials.
Key Considerations
Addressing these points when selecting clinical worktops ensures they are not only functional but also safe, durable, and suitable for the rigorous demands of medical settings.
Budget is also a key consideration: – for example, more than one type of worktop material may be compliant with the HBN requirements for the application the worktop will be used in, and it will depend on whether durability and long term cost savings are more important than just meeting minimum requirements to complete the project.
Hygiene and Infection Control
Clinical worktops must be non-porous and fully sealed to ensure that there are not any areas that could be a trap for dirt to build up. Choosing smooth surfaces that are easy to clean with no seams, joints or crevices will help eliminate hiding places for bacteria to develop.
Some worktop materials can be supplied with built-in antimicrobial properties which can help prevent microbial growth and further enhance infection prevention and control, but this does not replace the need for regular cleaning and can give a false sense of security.
In the clinical environment, products should not be stored on the worksurface because this restricts the ability to clean the surface thoroughly. The Systeméd swing glide drawer which fits to the underside of the wall cabinets is designed to take small items off the worksurface, or alternatively, fitting a shallow shelf above the worktop on the Easyrail clinical shelving system can be used to provide a ledge for small containers to sit.
Durability and Resistance
Worktops in a clinical setting can be subjected to frequent cleaning with strong disinfectants and chemical agents and need to be able to withstand these without degrading. In areas like laboratories, they may also need to tolerate heat from equipment or spills.
In addition, surfaces should resist impact damage from daily heavy usage, equipment and sharp instruments typical in a clinical environment. High-quality materials reduce the need for frequent replacements, lowering costs over time.
Aesthetics and Design
Design should match the overall aesthetics of the facility while prioritising functionality. Neutral or light colours can create a clean and professional appearance and are the best choice for Clinical spaces. Darker colours will often be chosen for Reception and non-clinical areas.
There may also be guidelines for specific spaces. For example, for Pharmacy and Radiopharmacy facilities the Medicines management HBN14-01 note states that a colour contrasting with white should be used as white benches provide a difficult background on which to see white packaging and medication.
Safety and Compliance
Ensure adherence to relevant healthcare standards, such as ISO certifications or local health authority regulations. There is guidance in the Health & Social Care Act 2008 and also the Health Building Note 00.09 : Infection Control in the Built Environment for further advice, among other sources.
As well as the infection prevention and control measures already mentioned, other considerations also include rounded edges to prevent injuries and compliance with fire safety regulations.
Worktop Materials – Pros & Cons
So, what are the different materials available and what are the benefits of each type?
High Pressure Laminate (WKT10, WKT15)
This is the most commonly used material for worktops in clinical settings as it is very durable and relatively low cost. It is highly resistant to scratching, impact, chemicals and heat. It is also widely available in an extensive range of colours.
However, one drawback is that the laminate sheets are normally pressed onto a Chipboard or MDF core material, and if the laminate layer does become damaged, the core will be exposed to moisture. This can lead to quick deterioration and create infection control issues, meaning it will need to be replaced due to not being able to be cleaned properly.
HP Laminate worktops should be 40mm thick with a bullnose front profile and a 50mm moulded rear upstand and exposed ends should be fully sealed with matching laminate material. For high traffic areas, an Aluminum end cap can be fitted over the edged end to provide additional impact protection.
Due to the manufacturing process, it is not recommended to use moulded HP Laminate worktops for lengths longer than 3m or for L shaped worktops and for these situations a worktop blank without a moulded rear upstand can be used with a 50mm lay-on upstand instead.
Compact Grade Laminate (WKT30, WKT36)
A very hard-wearing worktop which is virtually impervious to water penetration, particularly suited for areas near water, and laboratories where greater chemical resistance is needed.
With a solid compact grade core, these worktops do not need to be edged and are able to be cut to any shape and are normally supplied with a smooth crescent edge front profile and rounded external edges making them the very suited for the island worktop shape often used in Pharmacies and Laboratories.
Although there are some limitations on the sheet sizes and therefore the joint positioning, this is the best all-round choice of worktop material for the clinical environment when you take into account cost and durability.
Solid Surface Laminate (WKT40)
An impervious and very hard-wearing material that can be shaped to form rounded worktops and panels with moulded upstands and sinks. The joint-free finish provides
the ultimate in infection prevention and is ideally suited to the healthcare environment due to the ability to be moulded to any shape.
A premium option does mean a premium price and longer lead-times; – the order process normally involves a template of the worktop area being taken resulting in a delay to supply. Also, due to the complex mixing processes, slight colour variations may be found from sheet to sheet of the same colour.
Marmoleum Inlay (WKT50)
A traditional worktop material for offices and control rooms. The marmoleum is normally laid inside a hardwood edged timber profile sealed with a clear lacquer and
shaped to suit. The surface is slightly softer to press on than other worktop materials and therefore provides a better writing surface.
Not recommended for use in areas clinical areas or those near water. But a great, practical solution for offices or control rooms.
Stainless Steel (WKT60)
A well-known material used in hospitals for many years due to its durability and ability to keep clean. Stainless Steel tops are normally supplied with a timber supporting framework to the underside. There are two grades, 304 is the most commonly used, 316 has a greater chemical resistance and normally chosen for areas like laboratory sinks.
It can be expensive and difficult to work with and adapt to different sizes and spaces and most larger worktops will need to be templated before fabrication.
Melamine (WKT05)
Although not quite as hardwearing HP Laminate, this is still a good surface and quite suitable for office environments. The surface is fully sealed and can be cleaned effectively. It is also available in a wide choice of colours.
Melamine is an economical material that can be shaped to suit different layouts maximising space efficiencies. Tops are normally 20mm and 25mm thick and supplied with a square front profile which should be edged in 2mm or 3mm high impact ABS edging,
As specialists suppliers in solutions to optimise clinical spaces, we will always take time to understand the operational and user needs to provide options and recommendations on the best materials for worktops in clinical settings. Check out our Worktops product range for more information or contact us to discuss your project.
