Door Entry

Touchless entry and exit

by Mark Rowe

British people surveyed want “motion sensors so you don’t have to touch things.” Listening to the customers in the pandemic Safety Technology International have sought a solution for contactless entries and exits.

Honouring the problem-solving blueprint of company founder Jack Taylor, the inventor of the original Stopper protective cover, the new NoTouch Buttons harness infrared.
When used with an automatic door opener or hands-free foot plate, as suggested by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the buttons provide touchless entry and exit.

To activate the NoTouch Button, a person simply waves or gestures their hand in front of the infrared sensor, at a variable detection range. The device will detect this motion, indicated by dual colour status LEDs, then open or unlatch the door for an adjustable amount of time, without the user needing to touch a button.

Physical push buttons, door handles, and push plates can be a focal point for bacteria such as E-coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus Aureus, as well as viral infections.
Using doors as physical barriers in hospitals, to limit the spread of transmission between clinical areas, can be undermined when these boundaries become contaminated – instead aiding the spread of pathogens.

Replacing traditional entry systems, such as push buttons and lever handles, the NoTouch Buttons come in cast aluminium, for industrial applications; and medical/food grade stainless steel for hospitals and health care facilities.

A choice of standard text options, custom labelling, and flush or surface buttons allow the contactless access control range to be used in a variety of settings. Models available include mullion, US single gang, and European single gang – slightly oversized faceplates allow units to retro-fit over previous installations.

In the pandemic, health care professionals warned us to refrain from touching our face, something which is considered human nature, but increases transmission. We are particularly vulnerable to touching the areas around the mouth, nose, and eyes – even after we have exposure with door handles. This habit highlights the important role hand hygiene plays in protecting us from germs. Access control is often the first or last physical contact we make with a building; by removing this contact with a no touch solution not only is hand hygiene improved but the risk of contamination and spread diminished.

The importance of hand hygiene is supported by the World Health Organization: “Hand hygiene is one of the most effective actions you can take to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the COVID-19 virus.”

Disinfecting surfaces, provision of hand sanitiser, and proper hand washing all protect against contamination and transmission, however, this is heavily reliant on the compliance of staff and visitors – something which cannot always be guaranteed, particularly in public buildings.

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