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Phone: 01442 275705, Fax: 01442 275716, cda@copperalliance.org.uk, www.copperalliance.org.uk

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PR909 issued 6
th
June 2014

CPD Enables Healthcare Architects to Specify
Antimicrobial Copper with Confidence

Specifying durable and effective antimicrobial materials for healthcare design is becoming increasingly
important in light of growing antimicrobial resistance and the need to improve infection control. A new
CPD presentation helps architects to understand the challenges of infection control and the solution
antimicrobial copper touch surfaces provide.

Copper is inherently antimicrobial, meaning it will rapidly kill bacteria and viruses on contact. It shares
this property with many alloys including brass and bronze and this family of materials is known as
antimicrobial copper. By replacing frequently-touched surfaces such as door furniture, taps and
handrails with items made from solid antimicrobial copper, the risk of infections spreading via those
surfaces can be dramatically reduced.

Clinical trials in hospitals across the world have shown antimicrobial copper surfaces harbour >80%
less contamination than non-copper surfaces, and can make a significant contribution to reducing
infection rates. Product manufacturers have responded to the resulting market demand by creating
new product ranges, available in a wide variety of colours and designs to suit any aesthetic.

The CPD material has been developed by Copper Development Association and approved by the
Royal Institute of British Architects through their CPD Providers Network, which offers architects and
other construction professionals high-quality CPD material.

The presentation describes what healthcare-associated infections are, the dangers they pose and
their cost, both financially and in terms of lives lost. The role touch surfaces play in the spread of
infection is explained along with how antimicrobial copper can help break the chain of infection by
continuously reducing surface contamination. The business case is presented, demonstrating rapid
return on investment. Example installations are given and guidance provided on how to recognise
efficacious products, covering test standards and the Cu+ industry stewardship scheme.

The material is available online as a narrated presentation with accompanying notes, followed by a
web-based self-assessment. It can also be delivered at a practice. Either method takes around one
hour, and completion counts as two hours CPD.

For more information, visit www.antimicrobialcopper.org, select Supply Chain Resources and visit the
Architect or Designer section.





Antimicrobial Copper surfaces at Isku Medical
Centre in Finland
The RIBA accredited-CPD material logo

For further information, contact:

Name: Bryony Samuel
Position: Communications Officer
Telephone: 01442 275705
Email: bryony.samuel@copperalliance.org.uk
Website: www.antimicrobialcopper.org