Industrial and Medical Keyboards - Data Entry in Harsh Or Sterile Surroundings

Computers are a vital in most industries; Norequirement in these sorts of areas as are mouse
longer is the PC just a piece of office equipmentpointing devices such as tracker balls or touch
they are used in almost every industry andpads. These rugged PC peripherals are designed
environment imaginable from the factory floor toto withstand almost every harsh or hazardous
the hospital ward.material found in industrial areas and ensure that
Computer control and data storage makes mostproduction doesn't have to stop because of a
functions and processes easier and more efficientclogged keyboard or mouse.
but using PCs in many surroundings does poseFor less frequent use, and to save space, flexible
problems.silicone keyboards can also be used. These can
The harsh elements of an industrial area caneven be rolled up for storage unravelled for
damage a PC so they and the monitors have totyping. The silicone is waterproof and they are
be protected - often in some form of industrialdesigned so dirt and grime cannot interfere with
computer enclosure and LCD enclosure. But therethe workings of the keyboard.
is one aspect of a computer system that can't beMedical Keyboards and Mouse
enclosed - the input devices.In some areas it is not the elements in the
A keyboard and mouse is essential for mostenvironment that are a problem to a keyboard
computer operations. While, touch screens arebut the keyboard and mouse themselves become
commonly used in industrial areas for controllingpotential hazards.
processes they are not suitable for data-entry orKeyboards and mouse pointing devices are
other types of information entry so keyboardsharbourers of germs which is a problem for
and mouse pointing devices still have to be used inhospital and medical environments as they can
many locations and this poses two problems:assist in the spread of infection - including hospital
Industrial Keyboards and Mouseacquired infections such C Dificile and MRSA.
Industrial areas the most common problem withCleaning a traditional keyboard and mouse is
using standard keyboards and mouse solutions isdifficult as any water will affect the inner
they quickly get disabled by the amount of dust,electronics; however, silicone medical keyboard
dirt, grease and other elements. Protective plasticenable complete washdown and as they are
covers are available but are only effective up to amanufactured from bacteria resistant silicone and
point and any industrial area with a standarddesigned without any raised surfaces they
keyboard or mouse will require frequentprevent bacteria from breeding on the surfaces.
replacements on a par with the amount of harshThese keyboards can be cleaned with standard
materials about.hospital disinfectants so preventing the spread of
Industrial keyboards are therefore an obviousinfection.