The COVID-19 pandemic is causing businesses to take extra precautions for the well-being of employees and customers. Rockford Systems is helping organizations protect employee health and safety by launching its GermBlock line of cough and sneeze shields for industrial, commercial, clean room and retail settings.
GermBlock shields limit the spread of airborne droplets resulting from coughing, sneezing or speaking from reaching a nearby person, therefore helping to mitigate possible COVID-19 infection. Constructed of clear 3/16-inch polycarbonate and 16-gauge 304 stainless steel ¾-inch framing with full penetration welds, the shields are offered in table top, floor standing and extended-leg versions. To ensure shield stability, all shields include foot plates with gussets, designed to affix to countertops or floors with front and side mounting options. In addition, GermBlock shields are offered in standard and clean-room models in the same types and sizes. Further, custom shields are also available, which include an array of size, mounting and material options, as well as casters.
Of the several shields on the market, few offer the durability of polycarbonate framed in corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Although polycarbonate is half the weight of standard glass, it provides 250 times the impact resistance, whereas acrylic provides only 17 times the impact resistance. Polycarbonate is non-flammable, resistant to chemicals, can be drilled without cracking, and can withstand high temperatures. Additionally, polycarbonate allows access to natural light and shields out harmful ultraviolet rays. The stainless-steel frame allows the shields to be washed down and sterilized per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for frequent cleaning. The full penetration welds eliminate gaps or cracks that prevent bacterial build up.
GermBlock shields are Made In USA, 100 percent manufactured in Rockford, Ill. Given its Midwest operations and centralized geographical location, orders can be turned around quickly to support customers with urgent bio protection needs.
Industrial Applications
For industrial settings such as factories, warehouses and assembly lines, GermBlock shields can be placed in between employees standing or sitting in close proximity at work stations.
Commercial Applications
GermBlock shields can be installed between office cubicles to extend the wall height between workers. In addition to extending physical distancing, GermBlock shields also provide other office space benefits, such as insulating against noise to create a quieter workspace and blocking against damaging ultraviolet rays to prevent interior decor from fading.
Clean Room Applications
For clean settings such as microprocessor, medical, food and beverage, pharma and personal care product manufacturers, GermBlock shields are designed with a 1/4-inch poly-to-frame gap construction for cleaning access with materials intended to be clean-room compatible per USDA and FDA standards. GermBlock’s corrosion-resistant stainless-steel frame with full penetration welds allows the shields to be washed down frequently with hot water, cleaning solutions and high-pressure sprays. Not only can GermBlock’s shields help protect against the spread of COVID-19, but they can also shield against Peroxyacetic Acid (PAA) and other airborne particulates.