Dust to Danger
This common fungus, found in construction dust, can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients.
Aspergillus
This type of air pressure is required inside a construction zone to prevent contaminated air from escaping into patient care areas.
negative air pressure
This type of mask is required when working in areas where airborne contaminants, such as mold spores, may be present.
N95
This risk assessment process must be completed before any construction, renovation, or maintenance work begins in a healthcare facility.
Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
Before reopening a renovated area in a healthcare facility, this type of cleaning must be performed to remove all dust, debris, and contaminants.
Terminal Cleaning
During construction or renovation in healthcare facilities, this invisible hazard can travel through ventilation systems and settle on surfaces, increasing infection risks.
aerosolized dust and pathogens
To effectively trap airborne particles, this type of filtration system must be used in construction zones within healthcare facilities.
HEPA filtration system
To prevent dust and contaminants from spreading outside the work area, workers should remove this before exiting the construction zone.
ICRA classifies construction activities into these four levels based on their potential to generate dust and disturb pathogens.
Type A, Type B, Type C and Type D
High-efficiency filters and cleaning methods must be used to remove this fine particulate that can carry harmful bacteria and fungi.
construction dust
Disturbing ceiling tiles, drywall, or flooring without proper containment can release these harmful microorganisms into patient areas.
fungal spores, bacteria, and mold
This structure, placed at entrances to construction zones, helps maintain air pressure control and provides a space for workers to don and doff PPE.
Anteroom
CSA Z317.13 requires construction workers to perform this critical step before removing PPE to prevent contamination.
What is hand hygiene (washing hands or using hand sanitizer)
A Type D construction project involves major work with a high risk of infection. This level of patient risk category requires the strictest controls.
What is Group 4 (highest-risk patients, such as those in transplant or burn units)
Before removing containment barriers, the construction area must pass this type of inspection to ensure all infection control measures were followed.
visual and environmental clearance inspection
This document, required before starting construction in healthcare settings, assesses potential infection risks and outlines necessary precautions.
ICRA
CSA Z317.13 requires that construction zones be completely enclosed with this type of temporary barrier to contain dust and debris.
sealed hoarding
These two PPE items must always be worn when handling construction materials that could release dust, debris, or biological contaminants.
What are gloves and safety goggles (or a face shield)
This document, created as part of the ICRA process, outlines specific infection control measures that must be implemented for the project.
What is the Infection Control Plan (ICP)
To verify air quality before reopening a construction zone in a hospital, this type of testing is sometimes required.
airborne particle or microbial testing
Construction workers must use this type of barrier to prevent dust and debris from contaminating patient care areas.
sealed hoarding or temporary enclosures
During high-risk construction activities, the number of these must be monitored regularly to ensure air pressure is being maintained properly.
air pressure differential ratings
Workers must do this at designated stations before leaving the containment area to ensure no dust or contaminants are carried into patient spaces.
decontaminate (clean boots, tools, and clothing if necessary)
When construction is happening near an occupied patient area, ICRA often requires this extra control measure to prevent contamination.
What is an airtight plastic barrier or negative air pressure enclosure
All tools and equipment must be cleaned with these types of products before being removed from the containment zone.
What are hospital-grade disinfectants.