Understand the unique requirements for safety and hygiene and acoustics in aged care buildings

Rockwool

Stone wool wall insulation made from volcanic rock. Has excellent operational performance, including  fire barrier in the following ways:

• Between rooms and roof spaces
• A fire shield for structural steel members
• A fireproof cover for hot industrial process pipes and ducts
• A fire-safe core for sandwich panel constructions

Careful design will also ensure that fire cannot spread through cavities or along the service pipe or cable. With each service run including a different combination of plastic and metallic pipes, ducts, and power and data cables, every element will react very differently to fire. So fire stopping systems must be designed, manufactured and installed to cope with the individual needs of the project. Furthermore Rockwool stone wool will not slump, it keeps its shape and is durable. It is not affected by changes in temperature, humidity or aging. It therefore will not sag and will negate flanking paths for acoustic transmission.

Microcote HPU

Another operational performing composition for hygiene which is also cost effective is one coat antimicrobial sealing systems which are solvent free, are extremely low in VOC’s and virtually odourless, with quick application and drying time, these are the best option for aged care facilities. In any facility, it is important that down time is kept to a minimum, particularly in aged care, where disruption and confusion can be detrimental to the well-being of the resident. When the sealing system is virtually odourless and has a fast cure time, it is an ideal solution. One coat systems mean that many applications can be completed in a single night (day) avoiding disruption, whilst also reducing labour costs.

When referring to surfaces that are antimicrobial, we are referring to a product or coating that has an antimicrobial additive. This is added during manufacturer or as a coating after.

Some antimicrobial urethane coatings can be applied over existing walls (and floors) to provide a similar protection against staining and coloured variants can be applied to improve the appearance without the need for replacement. Impact and scuff resistance of wall cladding is definitely better than a painted wall and also provides exceptional impact resistance.