How STARC Systems Help You Meet Infection Control Regulations

When construction happens inside a healthcare facility, risk doesn’t begin with demolition. The real risk starts with the decision to build. Whether you're renovating a single patient room or modernizing an entire wing, even small disruptions can compromise patient safety if the right precautions aren’t in place.

Dust, debris, and airborne particles stirred up during construction aren’t just messy. They can carry harmful pathogens that lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). That’s why infection control regulations — particularly ICRA protocols — exist. They're designed to keep contaminants from entering patient care spaces.

But staying compliant isn't always easy. Outdated solutions like plastic sheeting or temporary drywall might check a box, but they often fall short when it counts.

STARC® Systems offer a unique solution to these concerns. These modular, airtight wall systems give you a reliable way to meet infection control standards, without interfering with patient care or slowing down your team.

Understanding Infection Control Regulations in Healthcare Construction

The Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) is a framework that helps healthcare facilities manage infection risks during construction, maintenance, or renovation. It's a proactive approach that prevents airborne contaminants from reaching patients, especially those with compromised immune systems.

A strong ICRA plan typically includes:

• Full dust containment
• Control of airflow and direction
• Maintaining negative air pressure
• The use of HEPA filtration systems
• Durable, cleanable barrier systems

The ICRA process also assigns risk classes to different projects, ranging from Class I to Class IV. A minor repair in an administrative area might require minimal control. But a ceiling replacement in an ICU? That’s a Class IV job, requiring full containment, continuous monitoring, and strict compliance.

When these standards aren’t met, it’s not just a paperwork problem. You’re risking inspection delays, regulatory penalties, and, most importantly, patient exposure. Every missed step carries a cost, whether it’s in budget overruns, lost time, or damage to your facility’s carefully built reputation.

Why Traditional Containment Falls Short

Plastic sheeting and makeshift drywall might seem like quick fixes, but they often leave gaps — literally and figuratively. These budget-friendly solutions might be easier on your bottom line, but they can’t maintain airtight seals, can’t be easily cleaned, and don’t support long-term use. They also potentially send the wrong message to staff and patients, who may question the quality of care behind those barriers.

In contrast, STARC Systems are built specifically for use in healthcare environments like medical centers, hospitals, or inpatient centers. They’re designed to stand up to notoriously strict regulations, harsh environments, and continuous use.

What STARC Systems Offer

Each panel in the STARC system is engineered for performance:

• Airtight seals reduce the risk of airborne contaminants spreading
• Panels are cleanable and reusable — built to meet hygiene standards
• The professional finish enhances your facility’s appearance and credibility

Professional containment improves how patients, staff, and inspectors perceive your facility’s attention to safety. 

Built for Negative Pressure and HEPA Compatibility

Many ICRA Class III and IV projects require negative air pressure to ensure contaminated air stays put. STARC panels integrate easily with HEPA filtration systems, helping you maintain proper airflow and achieve compliance.

Fast Setup, Easy Adjustments

STARC Systems are tool-free and modular, which means you don’t need to shut down an area for days just to set up barriers. They install quickly and can be reconfigured on the fly — ideal for:

• Multi-phase projects
• Emergency maintenance work
• Facilities that need to minimize downtime

Compared to the delays and dust that come with drywall builds, STARC offers a much cleaner, faster, and more efficient experience.

Shop STARC Systems for your facility here.

Construction Without Compromising Care

Even during a renovation, healthcare services don’t stop. And they shouldn’t have to.

STARC Systems help you maintain a safe, quiet, and clean environment for patients and staff even during disruptive work.

You’ll notice the difference:

• Hallways stay clear of debris and dust
• Noise is significantly reduced
• Patients aren’t forced to relocate unnecessarily
• Maintenance crews can work without creating extra headaches for clinical teams

It’s one less thing for your infection control team to worry about, and one more reason for your staff to feel supported.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

It’s tempting to focus on up-front costs when choosing a containment solution, but cutting corners often leads to much bigger problems down the line. According to the CDC, a single healthcare-associated infection can cost upwards of $30,000. Failing an ICRA inspection can stall a project for weeks, forcing you to reschedule contractors, delay timelines, and absorb unexpected costs.

If dust or debris escapes containment, the cleanup and potential rebuilding can add thousands more to the budget. Then, there’s the impact on your hospital or medical center’s reputation. Once your community’s opinion of your facility is damaged by an unfortunate incident, it’s incredibly difficult to recover. STARC Systems help you avoid harm to your reputation by delivering a containment solution that’s reliable, compliant, and easy to deploy across multiple projects.

Supporting Your Team, Not Just Your Project

One of the underrated benefits of using STARC Systems is how much easier it makes life for your staff. Nurses, techs, and facilities teams are already stretched thin. Construction shouldn’t make their jobs harder. However, when the containment plan involves flapping plastic or noisy drywall work, it often does.

STARC takes that chaos off the table. The setup is clean, quiet, and secure, so your team can stay focused on patient care without worrying about dust in the halls or constant disruptions. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference in day-to-day operations. 

It also shows. When inspectors walk the site and see a professional, sealed-off workspace, it sends a clear message: this team takes safety and compliance seriously. 

Build Smarter. Stay Compliant. Protect What Matters.

Infection control during construction isn’t just about meeting regulations. It’s about keeping patients safe, supporting your staff, and maintaining trust across your facility. Any time work takes place near active care areas, it introduces risk, and the way you contain that risk matters.

Whether you're upgrading a surgical suite, replacing air systems, or working through a phased renovation, STARC Systems gives your team a way to move forward without putting people or operations at risk. These barrier systems are designed specifically for healthcare settings, where patient safety and minimal disruption are non-negotiable.

This isn’t only about staying compliant. It’s about showing your team, your patients, and your inspectors that you take safety seriously. When containment is done right, it keeps projects moving and gives everyone peace of mind. 

If a construction project is on your horizon, start with a solution that puts safety, efficiency, and care at the center. Download the HEPA vs. ULPA Guide to learn how air filtration and proper containment work together to create a safer environment during every phase of construction.