Ceiling access projects, potentially, can become one of the biggest loopholes in any healthcare facility’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines and practices. It introduces a range of external equipment and personnel with IPC practices, equipment functionality, integrity, and conduct of their own. Hence, it becomes crucial to verify the contractor’s competence, capacity, and values before hiring them for a ceiling access project.
This post will highlight the questions that should be asked during selection interviews, their relevance, and how they will help you better evaluate your options.
The following questions are direct and quantitatively judge the contractor’s experience in handling a ceiling access project:
Once you have verified the legal certification and experience, you should move towards more qualitative assessment. Experience in years alone is never enough for the competency of a contractor. Competency can be qualitatively judged with the following:
As you can see, the above questions assess the commitment, integrity, and dedication of the contractor to each project. It goes to show you the level of their competence and the attention the contractor will give to your project.
You may have implemented the most thorough and stringent of IPC programs, but the contractor’s equipment and personnel are variables beyond your control that are the responsibility of the contractor. Hence, you must assess their understanding of the ICRA guidelines and the risk assessment matrix:
Important verification tests include a HEPA MERV rating of 18 and above, filter integrity tests (IEST-RP-CC0034.2), and the particulate tests (ISO 14644 Class V air).
Unfortunate incidents happen even when the best practices, the most stringent audits, and the most up to date equipment are employed. Does your contractor understand the risks, and are they prepared for them? Learn with the following:
Finally, narrow down on budget and timeframe for the project:
When you are hiring a contractor for the first time, you are taking a risk. However, when you are familiar with the containment regulations that apply to your facility and take the time to ensure your contractor, his or her personnel, and the equipment being used are prepared to adhere to the correct infection control and containment procedures, you can feel good about your choice.
For more insight on what contractors can provide to you, download our eBook.