Views: 361 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-09-20 Origin: Site
High Pressure Laminate (HPL) materials are commonly used to make lockers due to its high durability. Its top layer is made of melamine resin, which is a very hard material with a high scratch-level resistance. It also has the ability to resist potent cleaning solutions, even those containing alcohol.
HPL lockers are therefore commonly used in schools, gyms, shopping malls, and especially hospitals. Of all the locations HPL lockers are used in, hospitals stand out because it is a place of high sanitization and requires a high amount of safety.
HPL lockers in the hospital can be used for the storage of healthcare workers' belongings, bedside cabinets in hospital rooms, or the storage of certain medical supplies. In any case, medical HPL lockers should be of a strong material, have low maintenance, and have a secure locking system.
There are three things to consider when choosing medical HPL lockers for hospitals: Durability, safety, and security.
The lockers need to be resistant to potent cleaning agents as they are frequently wiped down for sanitization. They have to be water and moisture resistant, and resistant to heat and fire for safety reasons.
Some lockers may be used to contain edibles like healthcare workers' lunches or snacks, or medicine. It is important therefore for the material to be non-toxic and be resistant to rust, mold, and smells.
In addition to the material and durability, these lockers should also be secure in a structural sense, and secure in the sense that its contents cannot be easily accessed unwarrantedly. There are a few ways in which HPL lockers can be locked.
Firstly, there is the coin-lock system which is not suitable for busy environments like hospitals as anyone with a coin would be able to unlock the locker door. There are also digital PIN-pads where you can key in a PIN to unlock the locker door. This is pricey and not suitable for hospitals where healthcare workers need to get in and out of the lockers fast. There can also pose programming problems and sanitization risk as many hands will be touching the PIN pads throughout the day. The most appropriate locking system would then be a regular lock-and-key, preferably the cam-lock. Another, albeit less practical option, could also be the padlock.
In such a sterile setting, antibacterial HPL is highly sought after for hospitals. Generally, all HPL are hygienic and are easy to clean. However, SILVERLAM HPL incorporates an anti-bacterial protection into the manufacture of its materials. As the name suggests, it uses silver ions which prevents bacterial growth, reducing the quantity of bacteria on the material by 99%.
Out of all the laminates, HPL is one of the strongest and most durable materials. When choosing a HPL lockers for hospitals, look for those that is made with 100% solid phenolic board. This is made from multiple layers packed together using heat pressure resulting in a thin sheet that is very hard and very tough, excellent for use in hospitals. It has a melamine top layer that is resistant to all kinds of materials including water, heat, fire, and cleaning agents. High Pressure Laminate with 100% solid phenolic board is therefore the strongest material you could choose for your hospital lockers.
This type of HPL locker is framed by aluminum, which makes the lockers firmer and steadier than those without aluminum. It is therefore recommended to have these types of lockers in hospitals due to its high stability.
Whole panel locker frames are made completely of compact laminate, just like the locker itself. Although less sturdy than aluminum frame lockers, these HPL lockers are both durable and fire resistant.
Different finishes on the locker affects its durability. For example, a glossy finish would diminish the HPL's scratch-resistant effect. Additionally, different finishes would affect the ability to print graphic images and logos onto the locker. Most HPL lockers on the market are customizable, and many 100% solid phenolic board HPL lockers are able to accommodate printing and engraving. Metallic finishes would require greater care, so it is not recommended for busy environments like hospitals.
In conclusion, 100% solid phenolic board HPL lockers are most suitable material when choosing medical lockers for hospitals. This compact laminate locker is durable and safe, perfect for medical environments. Choose one with SILVERLAM and an aluminum frame for anti-bacterial properties and increased stability. Also choose a finishing or style that is suitable for the hospital environment that requires low maintenance like melamine.