Bite Resistant fabric for mental health and special education – Kozane® Invicta
Working with vulnerable people can present certain risks for professionals working in special education and mental health. At times, patients or service users can be prone to violence and unpredictable behaviour. These hazards cause pain and bruising, but the danger escalates since bites can carry a high risk of infection (due to the number of bacteria in the human mouth) as well as the risk of contamination with blood-borne viruses. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) appear in the saliva of infected people in low concentrations. The risks of these types of injuries need proper personal protective equipment (PPE) that is dependable and effective, but at the same time discreet and comfortable to wear. Kozane® has developed a bite resistant fabric for mental health and special education workers, used also in anti-ligature, seclusion clothing and bedding.
Understanding the dangers involved with working in these sectors and actively working to address and mitigate them, is the best way for mental healthcare and special education professionals to stay protected and allows them to provide the necessary care and support to those in need. Studies have shown that in the US around 76% of mental health patients display aggressive behaviour which relates to workers facing potential injuries on a daily basis – most common are biting and scratching.
“Some of them have wanted to bite staff members. It can be really hard, to be honest. I’ve had patients spit at me and that’s quite anxiety-provoking” (Funmi Adenle, speaking on ITV News)
Kozane® Invicta – tear, abrasion and puncture resistant fabric
Our advanced tear and abrasion-resistant fabric, Kozane® Invicta, was designed for tear-resistant garments for vulnerable people where traditional clothing and bedding may increase the risk of self-harm. Developed in consultation with one of the UK’s major mental health trusts, it offers a high level of tear and abrasion resistance as well as protection from puncture. It is already in use as protective garments and bedding for vulnerable patients due to its practicality and comfort, and will no doubt continue to develop in line with our clients’ needs. Its unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications which require extreme durability, and superb protection.
Our tear and puncture-resistant fabrics can be effectively incorporated into arm cuffs, overalls and other garments to provide discreet protection that can be worn all day. Their unique composition make them ideal for protecting delicate skin against bites, cuts and scratches. Not only do they effectively and discreetly shield care and education professionals, but they are also safe for children and adults who present challenging behaviour. Care professionals are not the only individuals at risk. There are individuals at risk of self-harm who often pose unique challenges for those who care for them.
In this line of work, no one chooses to enter a caring profession expecting injuries, but it is a sad reality for many. That is why a dependable PPE made using our Kozane® high-performance fabrics can help relieve workers’ anxiety, allowing their careers to flourish, even in the midst of danger and challenging work environments.
If you want to know more about our Kozane® High-Performance Fabrics and how you can use them for various applications to address the needs of mental healthcare and special education professionals, please get in touch with our dedicated representative Eve Lamb at +44 (0)7599 546 566 or by email at eve.lamb@granberg.no.
