Coating's principal element is a silver-based agent captured in a non-organic matrix and is applied only after the shelf has been prepared and phosphated to ensure a good bond onto the metal
Launched less than 12 months ago, Bedfords Quartermaster Active anti-bacteriological shelf coating has now received a Sanitized test certificate confirming its effectiveness against MRSA.
The company has always claimed the active coating would eliminate 99% of all surface bacteria within 24 hours and, with the current concerns relating to the control of MRSA, felt it necessary to confirm that Quartermaster Active did just that with this specific bacterium.
The independent laboratory tests by Sanitized substantiate this and indicate a strong reduction with good anti-bacterial effect, which must be good news for all involved with MRSA controls in hygienic environments.
The coating's principal element is a silver-based agent captured in a non-organic matrix and is applied only after the shelf has been prepared and phosphated to ensure a good bond onto the metal.
The use of hot dip techniques also ensures full coverage, and the thick coating smoothes out sharp details and acute internal corners, providing an easy wipe-clean surface that is difficult for dirt to adhere to.
In the unlikely event of coating damage, protection is still provided as the treatment totally impregnates through the coating.
Quartermaster Active is a tough product that can be autoclaved or cleaned with low pressure steam cleaners without degrading the coating, says Bedford and Soar.
The combination of anti-bacterial action and cleaning features is believed to be unique, it says.
Since its introduction the shelf coating has been found abrasion, impact, corrosion, graffiti, chemical and UV resistant.
Quartermaster Active has also shown no degradation through detergent washing - retaining tint, gloss and mechanical properties.
Thermal resistance at 130C has also been confirmed.
However, the company stresses that usage of shelving with the Active coating cannot be regarded as a substitute for conventional cleaning regimes, but it will provide valuable additional safeguards against the advances of bacterial contamination, especially MRSA.
