A brand-new paint job can work wonders for any building. However, not every painting project is the same. Healthcare is just one of the many industries where painting works involve a variety of different considerations and requirements.
If you’re a healthcare provider looking to update the look and feel of your facility, we’re here to provide an insight into the best practices, tips and tricks for any upcoming projects. This will include who to hire, how to plan ahead, and much more.
Let’s get started.
The first step is to determine when you need to call commercial painters. Of course, if you’re opening a new facility, this service is a critical part of getting the facilities prepared for use.
For existing buildings, the interior surfaces of healthcare facilities require regular maintenance. This is typically due to general wear and tear that affects floors and walls, which can lead to an unattractive and unsafe atmosphere. One sign that it’s time for a fresh coat of paint is chalking, where old paint becomes a powdery substance that easily rubs off. Another key indicator is rotting, which is often caused by fungus from moisture. This will also damage the foundation of the building if it is not addressed properly.
Mould and mildew, which may appear as stains, odours, or black dots, tend to thrive in high humidity and should be dealt with immediately. This is essential to the safety of your employees, patients, and visitors. Additionally, if patients and visitors comment on visible damage, it’s a clear sign that the facility needs refurbishing to maintain a welcoming environment and attract new patients.
Regulatory updates are another key reason that repainting is required. In this case, painting is needed in order to comply with safety standards, including line striping and other marks that need regular upkeep to prevent accidents. Moreover, repurposing spaces for new departments or medical offices may require redesigning rooms with specific types and colours of paint to match their new functions.
Using specialised paint materials helps to protect sterility in critical areas like emergency rooms and theatres, enhancing safety by reducing infection risks. These materials, designed to withstand frequent cleaning, maintain their integrity over time and contribute to a safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment that boosts both patient experience and staff morale.
Healthcare facilities are very unique environments. As a result, you cannot hire regular painters that only have experience with painting houses. Due to the complex nature of these projects, they are also not for the inexperienced contactors.
So, who exactly should you hire? The answer is professional healthcare painters. Contractors who specialise in healthcare painting will be well-versed in the various industry regulations, safety considerations and other factors that are specific to these projects.
Below, we’ll cover the reasons to hire specialist healthcare painters, as well as the benefits of giving your facility a fresh look.
Running a medical facility? Whether you need commercial painters in St Kilda or commercial painters in the Melbourne CBD, we’re ready to lend a helping hand. As seasoned healthcare painters, we have the equipment, expertise, and track record to deliver a first-class result.
Australian healthcare facilities are subject to stringent regulations and standards. Professional healthcare painters will be familiar with these regulations and make sure that all painting works are compliant. This includes using the correct types of paint that are safe for patient areas and do not release harmful fumes.
Coming to light during the Covid pandemic, infection control is of paramount concern in healthcare settings, be it major hospitals, aged care facilities or local GP clinics. Specialised healthcare painters are trained to follow strict protocols that prevent contamination and consider infection control. For example, they may use antimicrobial paints and implement practices that minimise dust and other particulates that could harm patients.
The safety of patients, staff, and visitors is crucial. Professional healthcare painters are adept at working in environments where safety cannot be compromised. They are trained in the use of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and zero-VOC paints that do not emit toxic fumes.
Healthcare facilities need to operate 24/7, making it even more essential to minimise disruption during painting projects. Specialised painters have the experience to work around these schedules with minimal interference to staff, patients, and various other daily operations. For example, they may complete the work in phases or during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting patient care.
Healthcare painters understand the specific needs of various areas within a facility. For example, the requirements for a surgical suite differ significantly from those for an administrative office. Specialised painters know the differences and adapt their methods accordingly to ensure each area meets its specific requirements.
The high-traffic nature of healthcare facilities demands durable and easy-to-maintain paint finishes. Professional healthcare painters use high-quality, durable paints that withstand frequent cleaning and disinfecting, maintaining a pristine appearance for longer periods.
While functionality and safety are primary concerns, the aesthetic aspect of healthcare environments also plays a role in patient recovery and comfort. Specialised healthcare painters can provide expert advice on colour schemes that promote healing and well-being.
A well-maintained and freshly painted healthcare facility significantly enhances the patient experience and boosts staff morale. The visual appeal of clean, vibrant, and appropriately coloured environments can positively influence patients’ moods, potentially aiding in faster recovery and overall satisfaction.
For staff, working in a well-kept environment also contributes to higher job satisfaction and productivity. The quality of a work environment can directly impact their job satisfaction and performance. A freshly painted facility with well-chosen colours is likely to create a more inviting and uplifting atmosphere, which then makes the workplace more pleasant overall.
Healthcare facilities benefit from specific paint materials that help protect sterility in emergency rooms, theatres, and on high-end machines and devices commonly seen in healthcare. These specialised materials ensure a safer environment by reducing the risk of infections.
The use of antimicrobial and low-VOC paints further enhances safety by minimising harmful fumes and bacterial growth. Additionally, these paints are designed to withstand frequent cleaning and disinfecting, maintaining their integrity and effectiveness over time.
Like all industries, professional healthcare painters follow protocols, processes, and maintain good communication. However, for healthcare, they go a step further by making their processes tighter and more stringent. They follow the facility’s protocols where needed, ensuring seamless integration with the facility’s operations.
Professional painting teams offer flexible scheduling, including outside of regular hours, to meet the facility’s requirements. They provide fast turnaround times for packing up work if an area is needed urgently, minimising disruption to the facility’s operations.
Healthcare painting contractors use environmentally friendly materials where possible and employ microbial floor coverings that resist bacteria. These materials not only promote a healthier environment but also support sustainability efforts within the facility.
Professional painters put in place special requirements for sensitive environments and provide advice on the right colour choices and the correct use of safe, bacteria-free materials. Using the right materials benefits healthcare facilities by ensuring ease of cleaning and long-lasting results, keeping the facility in top condition for years to come.
Maintaining the new paint job in a healthcare facility is crucial to ensure it remains in good condition and serves its intended purpose. Proper maintenance not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of the facility but also contributes to a safe and hygienic environment.
While each environment will naturally be different, here are some strategies that you may be able to employ for effective post-painting maintenance:
Regular cleaning is essential to keep the paint looking fresh and to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and potential contaminants. Here are some tips for routine cleaning:
Gentle Cleaning Agents: Use mild, non-abrasive cleaning agents that won’t damage the paint. Harsh chemicals can degrade the paint finish and reduce its lifespan.
Soft Cleaning Tools: Utilise soft cloths, sponges, or microfiber towels to clean painted surfaces. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the paint.
Frequent Dusting: Regularly dust walls and other painted surfaces to prevent dirt accumulation. Dust can be particularly problematic in high-traffic areas.
Spot Cleaning: Address spills, stains, and marks promptly. For example, in areas where medical procedures are performed, it’s vital to clean any splashes or spills immediately to prevent staining and ensure hygiene.
Over time, even the best-maintained paint job may develop minor chips, scratches, or areas of wear. Periodic touch-ups are necessary to keep the facility looking pristine:
Matching Paint: Keep a supply of the original paint used for the facility. This ensures that touch-ups match the existing colour and finish seamlessly.
Scheduled Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of painted surfaces to identify areas needing touch-ups. This is particularly important in high-traffic zones and areas exposed to frequent contact.
Quick Response: Address touch-up needs promptly. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage and larger areas requiring repainting.
Whether you’re opening a new practice or need to revamp existing facilities, our skilled team of painters brings nearly 50 years of experience to every project. From clinics to hospitals, aged care and medical laboratories, we understand how to paint them correctly and can work with you to develop a plan of action.
With a free and timely site inspection and survey, we will prepare a detailed quotation to help you plan for your painting needs. Our experienced project managers and qualified painters will expertly deliver your property’s painting and repainting requirements.
If you need reliable commercial painters in Melbourne, you’re in great hands with Resolute Group. Our team has carried out countless successful healthcare painting jobs and approach every project with detail, care, and precision.
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