An Angus laser cutting and engraving firm has begun to manufacture hands-free door openers and clips to make wearing surgical masks more comfortable.
The Altered State, based in Carnoustie, offers a range of services from design and customisation, to small volume manufacturing.
However, the company has now turned its skills to producing equipment for use in the battle against Covid-19.
Company owner Ross Cameron said the door-opening device was designed by a team of engineers at Sunderland University’s Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice.
The tool, designed to be attached to a lanyard, allows people to open doors without touching the door handle, reducing the risk of infection.
Mr Cameron said: “Transmission could still occur via surface contact but these are made from acrylic plastic so can be washed in hot soapy water or wiped with an antibacterial wipe.
“However it shouldn’t need cleaning every time as the contact surface is minimal.
“If there is still a shortage of antibacterial wipes then this helps reduce the quantity required.”
The door-opening devices are being sold at the cost price of £1.50, which covers laser time, and where possible the material used is from offcuts already held by the firm.
Mr Cameron said: “We would love to do this for free but as a small business heavily impacted by Covid-19 we cannot take any more hits to our cash flow.
“The design can be easily resized and adapted and we have already had pairs bought to push a supermarket trolley and wheelie bins.
“There has been an increase in demand for the devices.”
The firm is also exploring the production of clips to make wearing surgical masks, which can currently be worn for long periods by health professionals, more comfortable for the wearer.
jimillar@thecourier.co.uk