When it comes to staying healthy, flu season has always been a major focus. But now, with the addition of summer and winter COVID seasons, we’re working year-round to help stop the spread of illness. The good news? ADA is here to support you every step of the way. This month, we’re highlighting the many ways we help keep you safe — starting with touch-free doors and other smart tools designed to promote a healthier environment.
How Touching Doors Can Spread Germs
During the pandemic, we all learned that door knobs and handles are breeding grounds for germs. But according to two leading research universities, the problem is even worse than most of us realized. Penn State University, for instance, found more than 14 million bacteria living on a single door knob. And the University of Arizona found that in just a few short hours, a virus can spread like wildfire. So, the message is clear: We need to get the “door knob problem” under control and limit how often we’re touching communal surfaces. ADA can help. Here’s how:
Low-Touch and Hands-Free Solutions
When it comes to spreading germs, hands are the biggest culprits. Think about how many surfaces you touch between washings. And door handles and knobs get some of the most contact with those germy palms and digits, so the more we can do to reduce contact between doors and hands, the better. Here are a few options ADA provides:
Low-Touch Manual Options
Most buildings have at least a few manual doors. But just because they’re manual doesn’t mean you have to open those doors with your hands. We offer several options that allow you to operate the doors in other ways. For instance, we can install metal hooks that help you open doors with your forearms. We have paddles that can be used to open doors with your hips. And we have foot pulls that allow you to open doors with your feet. These are all affordable options that minimize contact with the germiest parts of our bodies and help stop the spread.
Low-Touch Electromechanical Solutions
These are one step up from the manual options, and they’re every bit as effective. We offer commercial-grade magnets that hold your doors open during periods of high traffic, minimizing the need to touch your doors at all. We can also fit your doors with Electric Latch Retraction, which helps people move quickly and hands-free through your doors. And we have door openers and closers that work using a motion sensor. These options are great, as they improve hygiene while improving the flow of traffic.
Completely Touchless and Automatic
Beyond “low touch,” there’s completely touch-free. For example, our wave-to-open doors activate when you move your hands in front of a sensor. Our motion-sensor doors can see you coming and open as you approach. And we even have pressure sensors that feel the weight of your footsteps and open automatically. These top-of-the line products keep your team healthy and your business running smoothly.
Controlled Access
We can set up controlled access so people have to “badge in” to get into your building or sensitive areas. That’s obviously great for building security, but it’s also great for hygiene. All you have to do is wave your badge in front of a sensor, and if you’re authorized, the door will open, hands-free.
Anti-Microbial Coatings
While not technically a low-touch or touch-free option, we can add a special coating to door knobs and handles that makes them inhospitable to germs, as well as mold, mildew, and fungi. The silver-ion technology keeps your surfaces cleaner, and is safe, long-lasting, and backed by real data.
With flu season, summer COVID season, and winter COVID season, it feels like illnesses are circulating all year long. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to help stop the spread. Ask us about low-touch solutions, touch-free options, and controlled access systems. You may not be able to eliminate germs entirely—but with a little help from ADA, you can certainly keep them under control.