The health sector needs to maintain a hygienic and clean environment that does not compromise the day-to-day functioning of the space. Healthcare facilities are vulnerable to contamination and must maintain sanitary standards to eliminate the chances of bacteria and other microbes thriving on the surface. However, with the right choice of wall paneling material, you can achieve the required hygiene level. PVC and FRP wall panel are two popularly used wall paneling solutions in the industry. Through this blog, we will try to find out which of the two is a better choice for the health sector.

The importance of hygiene in the healthcare sector

One of the most important reasons behind maintaining a hygienic environment in healthcare facilities is to prevent hospital-borne diseases. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are visited by people with diseases, many of which are contagious. Thus, it becomes essential to look for a wall paneling solution that has antimicrobial properties and is also easy to clean. 

FRP panel is a popular wall paneling option, but its relevance in maintaining a hygienic environment is unspecified. Besides, these panels need wooden backer boards for installation. These wooden boards absorb moisture and act as breeding grounds for bacteria, microbes, and other contaminants. Thus, installing FRP panels in these facilities is like a ticking bomb for contamination. PVC panels, on the other hand, are renowned for promoting a healthy and hygienic environment. However, we will know about that later in the blog.

A clean and hygienic environment ensures patients are not exposed to hospital-acquired diseases while ill. Sick people have low immunity and cannot fight the additional germs and diseases, ending up being very ill. So, a hygienic and easy-to-clean wall paneling solution, along with adopting other hygienic practices, are the key requirements in a healthcare facility.

Essential hygiene practices in healthcare facilities

As already established, hygiene is a non-negotiable aspect of healthcare facilities. As a responsible owner, you must include certain practices to ensure hygiene and efficiently meet the sanitary goals.

Design policies and procedures

As a healthcare organization, you must have written instructions on cleaning and disinfection. Further, you must adopt procedures that meet the hygiene standards and specific guidelines on the use of cleaning agents and the frequency of cleaning.

Compel cleanliness in the facility

Healthcare organizations must include trained staff for dedicated cleaning and sanitation procedures. It is essential that you meet the WASH services as designed by WHO.

Scheduling cleaning activities

Whether you have installed FRP wallboard or PVC panels on the walls, you must introduce a cleaning schedule in your facility. Effective and timely cleaning is important in maintaining a hygienic environment and reducing the chances of hospital-acquired infections. 

Promoting hygiene practices among staff and visitors

Healthcare facilities must adopt strategies to improve compliance with hygienic practices for the staff. Besides, there should be easy-to-read instructions on personal hygiene for patients and their family members. Collective awareness can help maintain the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the space.

PVC or FRP panels: What is best for the healthcare sector? 

The wall cladding or paneling plays an essential role in the functioning of a healthcare facility and its hygiene aspects. Thus, choosing the right solution that will prioritize sanitary norms and offer protection against moisture and mold becomes inevitable. Here, we have two popular options, FRP boards and PVC panels, and we need to find out which option is a better choice.

Moisture resistance ability

PVC panels are made from virgin vinyl, making them completely moisture-resistant. They have a non-porous and seamless surface that does not allow moisture to seep in and accumulate on the surface. However, FRP panels need wooden backer boards that absorb moisture and promote a damp environment in the facilities.

Mold and mildew prevention

The crevice-free surface of PVC panels eliminates the scope of mold and mildew thriving on the surface. They also have an antimicrobial coating to prevent the growth of bacteria and other contaminants on the surface. However, that’s not the case with FRP panels. FRP panels have joints in between that allow mold and mildew to breed on the surface. Besides, the dampened wooden backers also promote bacterial growth, making for a contaminated environment. 

Meeting the FDA standards

PVC panels meet the stringent safety and hygiene standards set by the FDA. They are FDA-compliant and ASTM-certified while also meeting the CFIA requirements. Thus, PVC panels are a hygienic and safe solution for healthcare facilities. Further, they will also eliminate the scope of any legal issues in meeting the sanitary standards of the facilities. Conversely, FRP panels struggle to keep up with the hygiene and sanitary needs of healthcare facilities. 

Ease of cleaning

The first step towards ensuring hygiene and cleanliness is the ease of cleaning and maintenance. PVC panels have a smooth and seamless surface, making them easy to clean without extensive scrubbing. These panels are stain-resistant and can be cleaned with a normal wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. On the other hand, FRP panels have crevices that accumulate mold and mildew and are difficult and expensive to clean. Moreover, being vulnerable to moisture and contamination, FRP panels need regular maintenance. 

Additionally, unlike PVC panels, FRP panels are not durable and can have physical and aesthetic damage like rotting, fading, discoloration, cracking, or peeling off. So, FRP panels need frequent repairs and replacements, adding to the overall expenses and making them an inconvenient choice for the health sector. 

Final Word

Hygienic cladding is an irreplaceable requirement in healthcare facilities, so a hygienic wall paneling solution is a prerequisite. A thorough comparison between FRP boards and PVC panels shows how PVC panels can be a better solution. The unmatched resistance ability, remarkable durability of PVC panels, and hygiene assurance make them a viable option for healthcare facilities. Check out the PVC panels from Duramax that are designed with a shelf life of 100 years for your facility. Besides, Duramax panels are available at factory-direct prices and have a limited lifetime warranty.