Ambassadors of hygiene

Outside of healthcare, work environments are also places of high risk as many of the everyday pieces of equipment users come in to contact with including desk telephones and computer keyboards are often shared equipment and the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to grow and linger. These become stubbornly resistant to disinfectants and cleaning agents. Restaurant chain Leon was opened four years ago in Carnaby Street, London by Chef Allegra McEvedy, along with friends Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent. It quickly received critical acclaim and attracted a loyal customer base by offering healthy food at affordable prices. The chain has now expanded to a further seven sites, attracting more than 50,000 customers through its doors every week. At its city centre site in Spitalfields more than 20 members of staff have continual access to the office telephones, including both kitchen and front of house. Aware of the potential risk posed by bacteria harbouring in traditional office equipment's hard to clean surfaces, and the real threat this poses in transmitting harmful bacteria between its staff and customers, Leon installed Doro EasyClean phones. Doro, a Swedish Consumer Electronics Manufacturer, supplied Leon Restaurant, Spitalfields London with phones from its EasyClean range. Doro has a two line defence. Firstly, the high gloss, wipe clean surface and membrane keypad helps to suppress the growth of bacteria by incorporating fewer gaps in the overall design of the telephone. The phone has a completely sealed barrier that prevents water from getting into any hard-to-clean areas, allowing it to be sprayed clean without the risk of damaging any of the electronics. In addition a magnetic 'hook switch' further prevents the migration of germs by cutting out one of the key locations bacteria would traditionally reside – under the receiver hook. The telephones second line of defence comes in the form of a built-in anti-microbial silver-based compound additive known as Polygiene. The inclusion of this anti-microbial protection effectively suppresses bacterial (microbial) growth instantly. The additive is built in to all of the plastic and curly cord, providing a permanent solution which is active 24 hours a day. Leon, Spitalfields installed the Doro handsets into the restaurant's office. The phones were positioned in areas that allow access to both the kitchen and the management teams on a daily basis. Restaurant manager Nicky commented: "The Doro EasyClean phones have been a positive addition to the business. With their unique design, not only are the phones cleaner, they have actually encouraged staff to be more proactive with cleaning and aware of their surroundings within the workplace."