Building Safely: Hospital Construction Containment Tactics

Construction and renovation projects are a fact of life in modern healthcare facilities, but they can prove to bring a whole host of complications to normal hospital operations. Not only are standard processes disrupted or even halted, but harmful particles like dust, mold, and bacteria are launched airborne and can wreak havoc on sensitive patients, hardworking medical teams, and anyone else inside the facility. However, construction comes with the territory of creating a modern and compliant place for the community to heal. So, how can you balance the challenges and costs of hospital construction with modern dust containment practices? 

Handwashing and general sanitation practices can only go so far in preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and many of the traditional construction containment methods aren’t as effective in keeping disease at bay as you might hope. Instead, your facility can rely on powerful infection control equipment like temporary barriers, negative air pressure systems, and advanced air filtration, which effectively prevent the spread of contaminants and ensure that construction and renovation work do not compromise the health and safety of your healthcare facility. 

With these advanced abatement technologies paired with ongoing education for hospital staff and construction crews, facility managers can ensure compliance with health regulations, reduce infection rates, and maintain a healthy environment for everyone involved in a safe room construction process.

Why is Healthcare Construction Containment So Important?

When containment isn't prioritized in healthcare facilities, the consequences can be dire. Dangerous airborne contaminants can move between sensitive patient areas, travel through ventilation systems, and escape from construction areas leading to widespread exposure. Particularly when construction involves demolition of any kind, particles from inside of walls, ceilings, or flooring are launched into the air. When they are not disturbed, these particles don’t pose much of a threat, but once they are exposed to the air in your facility, you’re faced with a serious risk of severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, infections, and even fatalities. When there are higher rates of infection, it can result in increased infection rates, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. Effective abatement technology, such as using temporary barriers, negative air pressure systems, and advanced air filtration is your best defense against the risks and challenges associated with healthcare construction and renovation work. 

3 Powerful Tools to Empower Your Containment Strategy

• Temporary Barriers

Temporary barriers like plastic sheeting and modular walls are vital for keeping construction areas isolated from the rest of the hospital. These barriers help stop dust and other contaminants from spreading, which is crucial in safe room construction. Using barriers creates a physical separation that keeps construction debris away from patient care areas, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Modular barriers are particularly effective because they are durable, easy to clean, and can reduce noise, making them ideal for high-traffic areas near patient rooms. For example, the STARC Systems LiteBarrier™ line offers customizable, reusable wall barriers that are easy to install and maintain, making them a practical choice for healthcare settings.

• Negative Air Pressure Systems

Negative air pressure systems are essential for containing airborne contaminants within construction zones. These systems work by creating lower pressure inside the construction area compared to surrounding spaces, which helps prevent contaminants from spreading. This is particularly important in healthcare facilities, where controlling airborne pathogens is critical to patient safety. Negative air pressure systems are most useful in areas undergoing major renovations, especially near patient care zones. 

The HEPACART® selection of HEPAFORCE® Air Negative Air Machines is designed to create negative pressure and filter out harmful particles, ensuring that the air in and around construction zones remains clean. These machines, when combined with air scrubbers, help filter and clean the air within the construction area, capturing the smallest and most dangerous particles.

• Advanced Air Filtration Systems

Advanced air filtration systems, such as HEPA filters, play a crucial role in capturing harmful particles like dust, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. HEPA filters are highly efficient dust abatement products, trapping at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They work by using a dense mat of fibers to capture contaminants through mechanisms like interception, impaction, and diffusion. 

In healthcare settings, HEPA filters are essential for maintaining high air quality, particularly in high-risk areas like operating rooms and patient wards. HEPACART’s HEPAFORCE® GermBuster Room Air Purifiers provide continuous air disinfection, significantly reducing viral loads and ensuring a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

Our Best Advice for Dust Control During Hospital Construction

Plan and Prepare

Start with a comprehensive risk assessment before beginning any construction project. This involves identifying potential contamination sources and high-risk areas that need special attention. Develop a detailed containment plan outlining the necessary strategies and equipment to mitigate these risks. By planning ahead, you ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to protect vulnerable patients and staff from harmful contaminants like dust, mold, bacteria, and viruses. This preparation is essential for maintaining a safe and sterile environment during construction.

Train Workers in Compliance

Training construction workers on proper containment methods is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Ensure all workers understand the importance of containment and how to use the equipment properly. This includes knowing how to set up temporary barriers, operate negative air pressure systems, and maintain advanced air filtration systems. Regular training sessions and compliance checks help ensure that all personnel are adhering to health and safety regulations, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring the construction project does not compromise patient safety.

Continuously Monitor Results

Monitoring air quality and the effectiveness of abatement technology is essential throughout the construction process. Utilize tools like particle counters and air quality monitors to track contaminants in real time. This continuous monitoring allows you to quickly identify any breaches in containment and adjust your strategies accordingly. Regular checks and adjustments ensure that the dust abatement products are working effectively, maintaining a safe environment for patients, healthcare workers, and construction personnel.

Smart Solutions to the Most Common Construction Challenges

Managing healthcare construction projects is tough, especially when patient safety and a healthy environment are your top priorities. As a facility manager, you face many obstacles that affect patient safety, staff well-being, and project efficiency. From controlling dust and contaminants to minimizing construction noise, we’ll discuss common problems and offer practical solutions to help you handle them effectively.

“I need to maintain negative air pressure in construction zones to prevent contaminants from spreading to patient care areas.”

Regularly inspect and maintain negative air pressure systems to ensure they function correctly. Use advanced air filtration systems, such as HEPA filters, to continuously clean the air and maintain the desired pressure levels. These systems capture hazardous particles, providing a safer environment for patients and staff.

“I worry about the integrity of temporary barriers, as any breach could allow contaminants to escape and pose risks to vulnerable patients.”

Invest in high-quality temporary barriers like modular walls, which are more durable and effective than plastic sheeting. Regularly inspect these barriers for damage and ensure they are properly sealed to prevent any leaks. Modular barriers offer better protection and are easier to maintain and sanitize.

“Ensuring that construction workers are adequately trained in infection control and containment methods is a constant challenge.”

Conduct regular training sessions for all construction personnel, focusing on the importance of containment and the proper use of equipment. Use visual aids and hands-on demonstrations to reinforce learning. Proper training ensures workers understand the critical role they play in maintaining a safe environment.

“I need to continuously monitor air quality to ensure our containment strategies are effective.”

Utilize advanced monitoring tools such as particle counters and air quality monitors to track contaminants in real-time. Regularly review the data to identify any issues and adjust containment measures as needed. Continuous monitoring helps in maintaining a safe and compliant construction environment.

“Finding cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on safety is a constant concern.”

Choose reusable containment products, like modular wall systems and high-efficiency air filtration units. While the initial investment may be higher, these solutions offer long-term savings through reduced material costs and lower maintenance requirements. They also provide superior protection, enhancing overall safety and compliance.

“Construction noise and vibrations can disrupt patient care and recovery.” 

Use modular containment walls with built-in sound attenuation features to reduce noise levels. Schedule noisy activities during times that minimize disruption to patients and staff. Additionally, consider using equipment designed to operate more quietly to maintain a more peaceful hospital environment.

Begin Creating Safer Construction Areas in Healthcare Today

Ensuring safe room hospital construction is no small feat, but it's essential for protecting patients, staff, and construction workers from airborne contaminants. By using dust abatement technologies like temporary barriers, negative air pressure systems, and advanced air filtration, facility managers can effectively minimize the risks associated with construction. These measures help maintain compliance with health regulations, reduce infection rates, and create a safer construction process overall. 

Equip your healthcare facility to more confidently and compliantly navigate healthcare construction today with our free downloadable resource — Infection Control Guide for Facility Managers — today.