Pull cords in toilet areas have long been recognised as a potential infection risk.

They become contaminated with faecal and skin bacteria, representing a potential source of cross-infection and health risk to the carrier. The multifilament braid design of commonly used cords in healthcare and domestic settings, which has an uneven surface, also makes effective cleaning very difficult.

The Biomaster protected Clean PullCord was developed as part of a collaboration with the Centre for the Application of Advanced Materials in Infection Control (CAAMIC). 

The Clean PullCord is designed with a durable wipe clean coating impregnated with Biomaster antimicrobial technology.  It has a smooth, non-PVC polymer coating which can be used with standard cleaning products or disinfectants and the inbuilt Biomaster protection provides protection 24 hours a day from bugs such as E.coli and MRSA.

The Biomaster Clean PullCord has the appearance and characteristics of a standard pull cord and can be retrofitted to lights, shower pulls, disabled pull cord alarm pulls and nurse alarm systems.  It is currently available in white, translucent blue, red, orange and in an anti ligature version.

The product is also used in care homes, doctors' surgeries and catering establishments.

Dr Vicki Ensor, Innovation Development Manager for CAAMIC, said: “This fast turnaround from concept to actual product was a surprise and it was pleasing to see how quickly the ideas could be turned into reality. Now we have the product we can see what a simple idea it is”.

Addmaster (UK) Ltd Marketing Manager Karl Shaw says: “The Biomaster Clean PullCord is a great example of how the application of antibacterial technology can develop new, safer products to help prevent the spread of cross-infection in healthcare.”

Find out more about Biomaster Clean PullCord.