A new device manufactured by German hardware specialist FSB allows doors with standard pull handles to be converted for hands-free operation to help in the battle to reduce Covid-19 transmission.
The FSB forearm shield for door pulls is fitted to existing standard push/pull handles with the aid of four stainless-steel screws and threaded metal bushes.
This allows external doors to be safely opened and closed with the aid of the user’s forearm. The idea is to avoid hands coming into direct contact with the door handle surface.
The shield is made of glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide, which is described as being ‘extremely rugged’ and ‘easy to clean and disinfect’.
Available to buy direct from FSB, the forearm shield is said to be particularly suited to areas that are subject to high levels of footfall such as offices, healthcare establishments, offices or public buildings.
Nazia Uddin, architectural consultant at FSB said, “Our new forearm shield is a practical solution for building owners and managers which is designed for easy retrofitting to existing handles, a simple but effective addition to assist in the fight to minimise the transmission of Covid-19 on shared surfaces.
“As with all FSB products, the forearm shield is made in Germany to the highest quality standards and demonstrates our ability to respond to customer requests for the option of no-hands operation, without the need to replace existing fittings.”
The shield is suitable for use with all standard tubular push/pull handles 19–35 mm in diameter and can be fitted to handles of angular and oval cross-section.
