Why You Should Control Dust in the Air in Healthcare Construction

As a facility manager, you’re no stranger to the high-stakes challenges of healthcare construction. Between tight deadlines, strict regulations, and the constant pressure to maintain patient safety, the last thing you need is a preventable issue like dust putting your facility at risk. 

Dust control is often treated as an afterthought, but its impact is anything but minor.

Imagine this: A hospital undergoing renovation experiences a spike in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Patients are at risk, staff are overwhelmed, and the facility faces fines for non-compliance — all because dust from the construction site migrated into sterile areas.

The good news is that, with the right strategies, you can prevent this scenario. 

Proper barriers and advanced air filtration systems can prevent construction dust from spreading beyond the project work zone, protecting patients, staff, and compliance records.

How Construction Dust Puts Patients, Staff, and Compliance at Risk

People usually think of dust as a nuisance, but for someone who oversees the safety and operations of an entire hospital, dust is a serious hazard — especially during renovations.

Construction activities like demolition, drilling, and sanding release dust into the air, carrying mold spores, bacteria, and other pathogens. These particles don’t just settle on surfaces — they travel through HVAC systems, slip through gaps in barriers, and even hitch a ride on foot traffic.

With so many people and materials moving in and out of healthcare facilities, dust can spread quickly if it’s not properly contained. In damp or poorly ventilated areas, it can even become a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, increasing infection risks.

When dust containment fails and the indoor air quality declines, the consequences aren’t minor — they put your facility, staff, and patients at risk.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Increased Risk of Infections: Studies show that up to 5% of HAIs are linked to construction-related dust. For immunocompromised patients, even minor exposure can be life-threatening.
• Poor Air Quality: Dust particles can trigger respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue among staff, leading to more sick days and reduced productivity.
• Equipment Damage: Dust can clog ventilation systems, damage medical equipment, and lead to costly repairs or replacements.
• Regulatory Compliance Risks: The Joint Commission, CDC, and OSHA all have strict dust control standards. If containment isn’t done correctly, failed inspections, project delays, and fines can follow.

As a facility manager, keeping daily operations running safely and smoothly is a big job — and construction projects only add to the complexity. It’s up to you to ensure every project aligns with infection control protocols and meets regulatory standards.

While contractors handle compliance on the job site, you’re the one making sure containment plans are solid, enforced, and up to standards.

Are Your Dust Control Efforts Meeting the Standards You Expect?

You’re committed to infection control and work hard to keep patients and staff safe, but are your dust control measures meeting the toughest standards?

Although ventilation measures and temporary barriers like plastic sheeting may be in place, dust, and airborne contaminants can still enter patient areas—sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. 

Basic containment isn’t enough to stop microscopic particles from traveling through air ducts, slipping through gaps in barriers, and spreading via foot traffic. Even minor construction work can disturb hidden particles, allowing them to travel further than you might think without the right containment strategies. 

So, how can you tell if your current measures are truly effective? Here are three signs to watch for:

1. Staff or Patient Complaints About Air Quality: Frequent reports of coughing, congestion, or eye irritation could indicate that dust is escaping beyond the construction work zone.
2. Dust Showing Up Where It Shouldn’t: If you notice dust settling on medical equipment, furniture, or surfaces outside of construction zones, containment barriers may not be as secure as they should be.
3. A Spike in Infections Near Construction Zones: If hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are rising, airborne contaminants from the work site could be entering patient areas.

It’s time to ask yourself an important question: would your containment measures stand up to an unannounced inspection today? 

If you’re not sure, it may be time to take a fresh look at your dust control strategy.

The Best Dust Control Solutions for Safer Healthcare Construction

Picture this: A hospital is adding a new wing. Plastic sheeting is up, and a basic ventilation system is running. It might seem like dust is under control, but microscopic particles carrying pathogens can still make their way into patient areas.

This isn’t just a rare occurrence — it happens more often than many facility managers realize. Traditional containment methods often fall short, which is why advanced solutions like temporary hard wall barriers and HEPA filtration systems are essential.

Why Temporary Hard Wall Barriers Are a Smarter Alternative to Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting might seem like a quick fix, but it tears easily, doesn’t always seal properly, and can’t fully contain dust. This is a problem when you’re trying to keep patient areas safe and comply with infection control standards. 

Temporary hard wall barriers, like the STARC® Systems RealWall™, are a smarter solution. They create a fully sealed space that keeps dust and airborne contaminants locked inside the construction zone. Plus, unlike basic plastic barriers, they’re reusable, are able to be installed faster, and help you maintain a cleaner, safer facility without the hassle of constantly replacing flimsy plastic sheeting.

Beyond infection control, the STARC Systems RealWall offers:

• Less Noise Disruption: Airtight temporary hard wall barriers cut renovation noise by up to 50%, helping maintain a quieter, more comfortable space for staff, patients, and visitors.
• Long-Term Durability: Unlike plastic sheeting, hard barriers are built to last and can be reused across multiple projects, saving you money in the long run.
• A Professional Look: A clean, polished appearance keeps the hospital environment welcoming and reassuring for patients and staff.
• Easy Installation: Designed for quick, tool-free assembly to minimize disruptions to hospital operations.

HEPA Filtration: The Key to Keeping Airborne Contaminants Out

Temporary hard wall barriers do a great job of sealing off construction zones, but dust and pathogens can still find ways to spread. That’s where HEPA filtration systems, air scrubbers, and negative air machines come in. These tools go beyond basic containment by actively removing harmful particles from the air, adding a second layer of defense to keep healthcare spaces safer.

Although HVAC systems help filter air, they are not designed to handle fine construction dust and airborne pathogens alone. HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers, making them essential for maintaining indoor air quality. Air scrubbers help by pulling contaminants out of circulation, while negative air machines use differential pressure to prevent airborne pathogens from spreading.

Combining temporary hard wall barriers with HEPA filtration systems creates an airtight containment strategy that protects patients, ensures compliance, and maintains the necessary air quality.

A Safe, Compliant Facility Starts with the Right Dust Control Strategy

As a facility manager, you’re the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your healthcare facility during construction. 

Dust might seem like a small issue, but as we’ve seen, its impact can be enormous. It can put patients at risk, disrupt operations, and even damage your facility’s reputation. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards for getting it right.

When you go beyond the basics and invest in proven solutions like temporary hard wall barriers and HEPA filtration systems, you are creating a safer, healthier environment for everyone who walks through your doors.

So, ask yourself: Are your current dust control measures truly up to the task? If you have any doubt, now is the time to act. Don’t wait for a spike in infections, a surprise inspection, or costly fines to realize that your current approach isn’t enough.

Take the next step today. Download our free HEPA vs. ULPA Guide to discover the best air filtration solutions for your facility. With the right tools and strategies, you can tackle healthcare construction projects with confidence — knowing that your patients, staff, and facility are protected.

Your facility deserves nothing less than the best. Let’s build a safer future, one dust-free project at a time.