EN60601 and IP Ratings: What to Look for in Medical Keyboards and Mice

EN60601 and IP Ratings: What to Look for in Medical Keyboards and Mice

Purchasing peripherals for medical use is not like buying standard office accessories. Hospital IT administrators and purchasing departments must meet rigorous standards to ensure patient and operator safety. That’s where certifications like EN60601 and IP ratings come in.

What is EN60601 and Why Does it Matter?

EN60601-1 is an internationally recognized standard that governs the safety and essential performance of electrical medical equipment. A medical keyboard or mouse certified with EN60601-1 is designed to operate safely around patients and sensitive medical devices.

The Role of Medical-Grade Keyboards in Infection Control

Unlike traditional keyboards, medical-grade keyboards are engineered to meet the hygiene demands of medical environments. Their fully sealed, waterproof construction allows them to be sprayed, wiped, or even submerged for thorough disinfection. This is critical in reducing the risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), which impact 1 in 31 hospital patients, according to the CDC..

Features of a Medical-Grade Keyboard:

• Sealed design: Prevents the entry of fluids and particles
• Antimicrobial coating: Inhibits microbial growth
• Easy to disinfect: Supports cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants
• Silent and backlit keys: Useful for late-night and emergency room operations

Clinical Environments That Benefit Most:

• Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
• Emergency Rooms
• Operating Theatres
• Pathology Labs
• Dental Clinics

Each of these settings involves high exposure to biohazards and needs equipment that supports strict infection control protocols.

Linking Medical Keyboards to Compliance

Hospitals are increasingly being audited for their hygiene practices and infection control strategies. Using a certified hospital keyboard is a step toward regulatory compliance with organizations like:

• The Joint Commission (TJC)
• Health Canada
• National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Switching to washable keyboards not only protects patients but also aligns with national and international hygiene mandates.

How to Clean a Medical-Grade Keyboard

Hospitals are increasingly being audited for their hygiene practices and infection control strategies. Using a certified hospital keyboard is a step toward regulatory compliance with organizations like:

1. Turn off or unplug the keyboard.
2. Spray or wipe with an approved hospital disinfectant.
3. Let it air dry, or wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.
4. If the device supports it (IP68 rated), submerge it for deep cleaning.

Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to prevent damage and maintain warranty.