Designing for Hygiene: The Role of Flat-surfaced Locks in Healthcare

Infection prevention is one of the most pressing challenges for healthcare estates. Every material, surface, and fixture needs to support strict hygiene standards to reduce cross-contamination and protect both patients and staff. While flooring, wall finishes, and clinical equipment often get attention, one overlooked component can quietly undermine these efforts: the lock.

Locks are found on IPS panels, access panels, storage units, and furniture throughout healthcare facilities. However, not all lock designs are created equal. Recessed, ridged, or outdated locks can become breeding grounds for bacteria, and because they are often hard to access during cleaning, they are frequently missed or left untreated.

This blog explores the hygiene risks created by traditional lock designs, why flat-surfaced locks offer a better alternative, and how estates teams can integrate them into healthcare facilities to improve infection control.

The Hygiene Risks of Traditional Lock Designs

In many hospitals and care facilities, locks are still considered “standard hardware”. The reality however is that traditional designs such as pin hex or square head locks often compromise infection control.

• Recessed keyholes trap dirt and bacteria
  Indentations in the lock face allow dirt, dust, and bacteria to collect. These recesses are almost impossible to fully clean during routine wipe-downs. Over time, they can harbour pathogens that increase infection risks.
• Ridged surfaces hinder cleaning
  Any raised or ridged edges create crevices that trap contaminants. Even when staff attempt to disinfect these areas, the design itself resists thorough cleaning.
• Locks are often overlooked during cleaning
  As locks are small details compared to larger surfaces like walls or panels; they can be neglected in routine infection control. The result is that these “micro zones” remain contaminated even when surrounding areas are disinfected.

In a healthcare environment where every surface matters, these issues make traditional lock designs a liability.

Why Flat-surfaced Locks Support Infection Control

Flat-surfaced tamper-resistant locks offer a more hygienic alternative. Instead of recesses and ridges, they bring the keyway flush to the surface, making it easier to disinfect effectively.

• Wipe-clean surfaces
  Smooth, flat surfaces allow cleaning staff to disinfect locks in the same motion as surrounding panels or furniture. There are no dirt traps, so bacteria has nowhere to hide.
• Fewer contamination risks
  By reducing recesses and eliminating crevices, flat-surfaced locks minimise areas where pathogens can accumulate. This directly supports infection prevention strategies.
• Consistency across facilities
  When locks match the wipe-clean standards of other fixtures, estates teams can ensure consistent hygiene protocols across entire estates.
• Durability and design
  Modern flat-faced locks are designed to withstand repeated cleaning with strong disinfectants. This ensures they remain functional and hygienic for the long term.

In short, the flat-surfaced design isn’t just about aesthetics; it directly supports healthcare hygiene goals.

A Case for Detail in Design

Healthcare facilities are designed with infection control built into every decision: from anti-microbial paint to seamless flooring. Yet all too often, locks are treated as an afterthought.

Every touchpoint matters though. A single contaminated surface can become a vector for infection, and locks are touched regularly by both staff and patients.

By choosing flat-surfaced, hygienic lock designs, healthcare estates can close a gap in infection prevention strategies and create environments that are safer, cleaner, and easier to maintain.

Integration Across Healthcare Applications

Flat-surfaced locks can be used across a wide range of healthcare environments, including:

• IPS panels – Frequently located in patient areas, where infection control is critical.
• Access panels – Found throughout hospitals, including corridors and treatment rooms.
• Furniture locks – Used for storage units, medication cupboards, and integrated fittings.
• Equipment housings – Protecting electrical or mechanical systems that must remain secure.

By standardising lock design across these applications, estates teams can reduce infection risks consistently across facilities.

Small Details, Big Impact on Infection Control

Healthcare estates are under constant pressure to maintain the highest hygiene standards. Flat-surfaced locks may seem like a minor detail, but their design directly supports wipe-clean protocols and reduces infection risks.

By replacing outdated recessed designs with modern flat-surfaced alternatives, estates teams can strengthen infection control, reduce maintenance concerns, and protect both staff and patients.

📞 Call us: 01952 890158
📧 Email: sales@contoursecure.co.uk
🌐 Or visit: www.contoursecure.co.uk to request a sample or discuss how flat-surfaced locks could improve hygiene in your healthcare environment.