HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Infection Control during Construction, Renovation, Repairs, and Maintenance All workers engaged in the construction, renovation, repair, and/or maintenance of Facilities are responsible for providing a safe environment

HealthCare Facts Construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance at facilities is typically different than work at most other sites. Patients who are ill and have suppressed immune systems are considered “at risk patients.” Thousands of patient deaths around the world are reported each year from infections acquired during a hospital stay. Construction dust and debris can be a source of infection. When you step onto a site, you become an important member of our Team. You Can Prevent Patient Harm

Checklist for Infection Control during Construction, Renovation, Repair and Maintenance Know the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) results. Understand requirements for working in ceilings (including pulling wire) Establish dust and debris control. Maintain ventilation and environmental controls. Implement pedestrian and equipment traffic control. Schedule continuous work site clean up.

Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) These are strict guidelines to keep our patients safe. Plan ahead – know the guidelines before the project begins. The ICRA is a process to determine:  the risk of patient exposure to dust and debris contamination;  and the classification of the work involved;  Impact on areas above, below and adjacent to the work site. Completion of the ICRA is the responsibility of the Facility Services Department. Results of the ICRA determine the safest methods to be used in completing the work.

Working Above the Ceiling The ceiling is a prime area for major contamination. Mold and bacteria grow above the ceiling. Rule of thumb:  When looking above the ceiling for 5 minutes or less no containment is needed.  If longer than 5 minutes or if working above the ceiling, (i.e., plumbing, wiring, HVAC, cable pulls) containment MUST be used.

Containment for Ceiling Work

Dust and Debris Containment Bacteria and other harmful germs travel in dust and can harm patients and workers. If a job, (regardless of scope), includes disturbing existing dust, or creating new dust, containment must be used. Doors should be closed and sealed with duct tape to prevent the dust and debris from escaping. If the work area cannot be contained by walls and doors, use a plastic, fire rated barrier and seal all seams with duct tape. If working in high risk area( 3 or 4) Hepa filter will be needed in the containment area

Traffic Control Entry and exit routes must be limited to those openings that result in the least amount of exposure to patients, staff, and visitors. When possible use dedicated doors, elevators, and stairways. All debris must be completely covered when being removed from the work site. Use the buddy system to clean dirt and debris from clothing to assure no dust is going out with you from the worksite ( a vacuum equipped a hepa filtration system can be used to remove dust from clothing.)

Ventilation and Environmental Control If mandated by the ICRA, negative air pressure must be maintained in the construction area. Use of a Hepa Filter System, when possible, will help maintain negative air pressure. Supply ducts should be blocked off and return air ducts should be covered with pleated air filters. Exhaust fans may be used in conjunction with a Hepa Filter System and must run continuously.

Clean up of Work Site Walk off or tacky mats must be used at the entrance and exit of each site. Workers are responsible for vacuuming walk-off dust mats frequently and as needed. Any dust outside of the work site area must be vacuumed/damp mopped immediately Vacuum cleaners must be equipped with a Hepa filtration system

Leaving Work Site What comes in, STAYS IN!! The dust on your clothing makes a difference. This dust can very easily be transferred from your clothes to a patient care environment When leaving the worksite on breaks or for meals, be sure to remove dust from clothes and shoes AT THE WORK SITE. Use the buddy system to make sure all dust is removed completely

Removing Trash and Debris All debris removed from construction site must be covered. Roll wheels over sticky mat to remove dust Follow path with least patient/visitor involvement

Patient Safety is # 1 at As a member of our team, it is important that you join us in our commitment to make a 100% SAFE HOSPITAL. Attention to details can help us save patients life