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by HEPACART on Mar 10, 2025
Did you know that healthcare construction projects contribute to thousands of preventable infections annually? These projects bring significant risks — dust and debris from demolition or drilling can release harmful pathogens into the air, jeopardizing the health of patients, staff, and visitors alike.
As a facility manager, you play a vital role in ensuring patient safety during these projects. If you’ve noticed increased infection rates, visible dust near sterile zones, or patient complaints about respiratory discomfort, it may be time to reassess your infection control measures. Addressing these risks with strong containment methods and advanced filtration systems creates a safer environment for everyone in your care.
How Construction Hazards Threaten Patient Safety
Hospitals are evolving to meet the demands of advancing medicine and a growing patient population. As of October 2024, the Federal Reserve reported that over $67 million had been invested in healthcare construction across the country. While these improvements are necessary, construction creates hazards that can overwhelm even the best systems.
Construction work produces airborne pollutants, such as dust and pathogens, that can quickly spread into patient areas if not properly contained. Without proper containment, these contaminants can compromise indoor air quality and patient safety.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Construction in healthcare facilities poses risks for all patients, but some groups face more significant dangers due to weaker immunity or specific health issues. Being aware of these risks is key to protecting the most vulnerable patients.
Immunocompromised Patients
Patients receiving chemotherapy, organ transplants, or other treatments that lower their immune systems are at a higher risk for infections. Even brief exposure to airborne pathogens from construction dust can cause serious health problems, longer hospital stays, or worse.
The Elderly and Chronically Ill
Patients with chronic respiratory issues, heart disease, or similar conditions are especially sensitive to changes in air quality, as are older adults, who often face risks due to a decline in immunity. Studies have found that these groups often face worsened symptoms or new complications when exposed to airborne particles released during construction.
Neonatal and Pediatric Patients
Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, newborns and young children, especially those in intensive care units (NICUs), are particularly vulnerable. Poor containment during renovations has been linked to increased infection rates in pediatric wards, highlighting the critical need for airtight solutions.
Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control reveals that without proper containment, construction dust can drastically increase the chances of hospital-acquired infections. For these patients, even small-scale construction projects can have significant consequences if proper containment and filtration measures are not used.
5 Indicators It’s Time to Fine-Tune Infection Control
Are your current infection control protocols effective? Watch for these indicators:
- Rising HAIs (Healthcare-Associated Infections): A spike in infection rates, especially during construction, is a major indicator that pathogens are spreading unchecked.
- Visible Dust and Debris: Dust accumulating near sterile zones, such as operating rooms or intensive care units, suggests containment systems are failing.
- Complaints from Patients and Staff: Reports of respiratory discomfort, unusual odors, or increased irritation can signal poor air quality and inadequate filtration.
- Increased Noise Levels: Persistent noise complaints could indicate insufficient sound mitigation measures, which can lead to patient stress and longer recovery times.
- Equipment Malfunctions: HVAC disruptions or improperly sealed containment barriers are technical signs that infection control measures need immediate attention.
If these warning signs are present, it’s time to consider implementing stronger infection control measures.
The Power of Temporary Wall Barriers in Infection Control
Temporary hard wall barriers make healthcare construction safer. Unlike poly sheeting, these hard walls seal better against airborne contaminants. Their durable design allows them to be reused for multiple projects, saving facilities money over time. Products like the STARC® Systems LiteBarrier™ are also easy to set up, cutting downtime and improving efficiency.
Beyond containment, temporary wall systems also address another critical issue: noise.
Noise from construction is a common issue that disrupts patient sleep and raises stress levels. Long-term exposure to high noise levels can increase heart rate and blood pressure and even lead to more use of sedatives. The STARC® RealWall™ addresses this with a foam core that dampens sound, making the environment quieter and less stressful for patients and staff.
How Filtration and Containment Work Together to Protect Patients
Containment is only part of the solution to keeping indoor air quality safe in hospitals. Airborne particles can still migrate if proper filtration isn’t in place. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air scrubbers and filtration systems act as a critical second layer of defense.
Benefits of HEPA Filtration
- Captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- Reduces dust, bacteria, and even some viruses from the air.
- Supports compliance with indoor air quality (IAQ) standards.
Maximize Safety with Combined Systems
- Strategic Placement: Position HEPA air scrubbers near patient rooms or high-risk zones.
- Seal Integrity: Ensure temporary walls are tightly sealed to prevent leaks.
- Regular Monitoring: Check equipment performance throughout the project to maintain effectiveness.
Combining advanced filtration systems with hard wall barriers provides a complete solution for protecting patients and meeting safety standards.
3 Indicators That It’s Time to Upgrade Your Systems
When should you think about improving your containment and filtration systems? These key signs can help you decide:
1. Increased Renovation Activity
If your facility is undergoing frequent construction or upgrades, your current containment measures might be stretched too thin. Temporary hard wall barriers and advanced filtration systems are designed to handle ongoing needs. Because they’re reusable and durable, they help save time and money while keeping safety standards consistent across projects.
2. Compliance Gaps
Falling short of Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) standards can put patients at risk and lead to penalties. Outdated systems may not meet today’s requirements. Upgrading to HEPA-filtered air scrubbers and secure wall barriers ensures your facility stays compliant and gives staff and patients greater peace of mind.
3. Patient Complaints
If patients or staff are more concerned about air quality, odors, or dust, it’s a sign that your systems need an upgrade. Issues like respiratory discomfort or visible dust near sterile areas mean containment isn’t working effectively. Improving these systems protects everyone and creates a better experience for both patients and staff.
By addressing these signs early, facilities can improve infection control and ensure a safer, more efficient environment.
Prioritize Patient Safety During Construction
Healthcare construction doesn’t have to compromise patient safety. Incorporating temporary hard wall barriers and advanced filtration systems into infection control measures can actively shield vulnerable patients, ensure compliance with safety standards, and keep disruptions to a minimum — even during major projects.
When patient outcomes drive decision-making, the path forward becomes clear. Take the first step toward a safer project by downloading the HEPA vs. ULPA Guide for actionable insights into air filtration and containment strategies.
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