The First Facility Management Blog

Copper theft is an increasing nationwide problem, causing challenges for businesses across multiple industries. Particularly hard hit are electric utilities, due to the considerable amount of copper used in frequently remote locations.

In an effort to prevent copper theft, a northern Texas cooperative electric utility installed an intrusion detection system from Smarter Security Systems to augment its security provisions. In early February, the investment in SmarterFence delivered its payback, as thieves attempting yet another strike on one of the co-op substations were scared away. The electric co-op is working to protect the remainder of its substations the same way.

SmarterFence is a highly intelligent fiber optic sensor system that mounts to any chain-link fence. Its ability to tune out environmental nuisances and detect real intrusion attempts allows it to provide reliable early warning of intruders by detecting any attempt to cut or climb a perimeter security fence.

Jeff Brown, president of Smarter Security Systems explains, “Copper theft is an annoying and costly problem that we are working to help prevent. Our wide breadth of outdoor security solutions gives utilities and other organizations multiple options for securing their perimeters.”

The northern Texas electric cooperative mentioned in this story provides electrical and telecommunications services to more than 15,000 members in two rural counties. In early February, thieves who had broken into its substation were interrupted by police responding to an alarm triggered by the SmarterFence. The thieves were scared away but left personal property behind which led police to the arrest of one of the perpetrators. Since the primary suspect has named accomplices, perhaps even more copper thefts will be stopped.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the registration of antimicrobial copper alloys with public health claims. These public health claims acknowledge that copper, brass, and bronze are capable of killing harmful, potentially deadly bacteria. Copper is the first solid surface material to receive this type of EPA registration, which is supported by extensive antimicrobial efficacy testing.

The EPA registration is based on independent laboratory testing using EPA-prescribed protocols that demonstrate the metal’s ability to kill specific disease causing bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is one of the most virulent strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a common cause of hospital and community acquired infections.

Testing under EPA approved protocols demonstrates that copper, brasses, and bronzes are effective against a number of disease causing bacteria. For example, one study shows that on copper alloy surfaces, greater than 99.9% of MRSA “superbugs” are killed within two hours at room temperature.

The following statements are included in the registration: “When cleaned regularly, antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of (specific) bacteria within two hours and continue to kill more than 99% of (these) bacteria even after repeated contamination,” and, “The use of a copper alloy surface is a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. The copper alloy surface material has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but it does not necessarily prevent cross contamination.”

Widely publicized statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate infections acquired in U.S. hospitals affect two million individuals every year and result in nearly 100,000 deaths annually. The use of copper alloys for frequently touched surfaces, as a supplement to existing CDC-prescribed hand washing and disinfection regimens, has far reaching implications. Potential uses that include door and furniture hardware, bed rails, intravenous (IV) stands, dispensers, faucets, sinks, and work stations, can help reduce the amount of disease causing bacteria in patient rooms.

Unlike coatings or other materials treatments, the antibacterial efficacy of copper metals won’t wear away: it can offer solid, long-term protection. Discussions are ongoing with major hospital equipment manufacturers about the development of appropriate copper based products.