Industrial curtains can be used in healthcare facilities as an affordable way to create cleanrooms. In this article, we’ll break down how these curtains work, why they’re great for cleanrooms, and how you can use them to improve your facility.
How Do Industrial Curtains Work in Healthcare?
Although cleanrooms are typically permanent, sealed spaces, healthcare facilities often need a balance between areas that are closed off yet also adaptable. This is where industrial curtains can make a big difference. Industrial curtains are made from heavy-duty PVC or vinyl materials, which are also often antimicrobial. They can be used to create physical barriers that are easy to install and reconfigure as your needs change. When looking at healthcare cleanrooms specifically, these curtains allow you to divide a cleanroom into sections without the cost and downtime of a full construction project.
Why Choose Cleanroom Dividers Over Construction?
It’s difficult for healthcare facilities to undergo construction due to noise, dust, and patient disruptions. With industrial curtains, you can skip these disruptions since they install in hours. There’s no need to shut down wings or relocate staff during installation. Installing cleanroom dividers is more affordable than building permanent walls. They can be easily removed or relocated if your space needs change.
How Can Industrial Curtains Help Maintain Cleanroom Standards?
Industrial curtains for healthcare are often designed to meet specific cleanliness standards. You’ll find curtain options that are antimicrobial to prevent the growth of bacteria on the curtain’s surface, options that are non-porous so they’re easy to disinfect, and static-resistant options that can help cut down the number of particles they attract. Additionally, you can install industrial curtains that are either clear or opaque, depending on whether visibility or privacy is more important to you. When paired with the right cleanroom supplies like HEPA filtration, sticky mats, and PPE, you’ll be able to keep a high level of contamination control even in a flexible, curtain-based cleanroom.
How Are Industrial Curtains Installed?
Setting up industrial curtains in a healthcare facility isn’t complicated, but it does take some planning to make sure you’re complying with cleanroom standards. Here, we take a look at how it typically works.
Assess the Area
First, determine how you plan on dividing your space. Make sure you measure the height and width of the area, paying attention to how the curtains will help you control contamination.
Choose Your Material
Choose curtain materials that meet your cleanliness and durability needs. You will also be able to choose between clear or opaque curtains based on how much light and visibility you want.
Install the Track System
Curtains usually hang from tracks that are mounted on the ceiling, which will allow you to move them easily. Because industrial curtains are lightweight compared to solid walls, installation rarely requires major structural changes.
Seal the Gaps
Some industrial curtain setups include floor sweeps or overlapping panels to reduce gaps, which is important in cleanrooms.
Test
Before using your new curtains, check airflow and particle counts to make sure your new cleanroom setup meets your standards. If you need help choosing the best configuration for your area, Singer Safety has experience working with a wide range of setups, and we’re happy to help.
How Do You Keep Industrial Curtains Clean?
Industrial curtains are easy to maintain. In a healthcare cleanroom, the frequency of curtain cleaning will depend on the risk level and activities taking place inside.
Typically, it’s best to include daily wipe-downs with approved disinfectants and regular inspections for damage or wear that could compromise cleanliness. Additionally, if you notice torn or degraded sections of the curtains, it’s always best to replace them immediately. Some facilities even keep spare curtain panels on hand so they can quickly swap out sections without shutting down operations, though if you invest in high-quality industrial curtains, it’s unlikely you will need to replace them often.
How Much Do Industrial Curtains Cost for Cleanrooms?
When weighing the cost of industrial curtains versus building permanent walls, the numbers usually come out in the curtains’ favor. Especially when you consider long-term flexibility. Industrial curtains have a lower upfront cost, since you’ll be paying for materials and installation rather than full-scale construction. Also, less disruption means you’re not losing revenue or delaying care, and the curtains can be moved or repurposed as your facility evolves, meaning their usability can last for years. That said, quality does matter. Investing in medical-grade materials is the best way to make sure your curtains stand up to rigorous cleaning and meet all the necessary regulatory requirements.
Where Else Are Industrial Curtains Used in Healthcare Facilities?
Industrial curtains can serve a variety of purposes in healthcare settings beyond just cleanrooms. Here are a few examples of where you might see them.
Pharmacies
When preparing medications in a sterile environment, curtains can separate the compounding zone from surrounding areas while making access easy for staff.
Surgical Prep
If you need a sterile prep space near an operating room, industrial curtains can create a barrier that meets cleanliness requirements without blocking people from moving in and out.
Labs
Labs handling sensitive specimens or working with infectious agents often use curtains to separate clean zones from general work areas.
Isolation Areas
During outbreaks or high infection risk scenarios, curtains can quickly create a place for patient care.
Cleanroom Supply Storage
Industrial curtains can be used to keep dust and contaminants away from PPE, gowns, and other sterile tools.
Learn More About Industrial Curtains as Cleanroom Dividers With Singer Safety
At Singer Safety, our mission is to improve workplace safety and efficiency with our range of high-quality industrial curtains. Each of our products is designed with durability in mind, and we offer both standard and custom sizes.
Need help deciding which option is right for you? Our staff can help you determine the products that will work best for your facility. To learn more, contact us today.
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