If your facility is planning demolition and construction, or will be located be near such activities, here are 16 strategies suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for organizations to follow to help reduce dust and moisture intrusion.
1. Demolition site — Shroud the site if possible to reduce environmental contamination.
2. Dust-generating equipment — Prior to placing dust-generating equipment, evaluate the location to ensure that dust produced by the equipment will not enter the building through open doorways or windows, or through ventilation air intakes.
3. Construction materials storage — Locate this storage away from the facility and ventilation air intakes.
4. Adjacent air intakes — Seal off affected intakes, if possible, or move if funds permit.
5. HVAC system — Consult with the facility engineer about pressure differentials and air recirculation options; keep facility air pressure positive to outside air.
6. Filters — Ensure that filters are properly installed; change roughing filters frequently to prevent dust build-up on high-efficiency filters.
7. Windows — Seal and caulk to prevent entry of airborne fungal spores.
8. Doors — Keep closed as much as possible; do not prop open; seal and caulk unused doors (i.e., those that are not designated as emergency exits); use mats with tacky surfaces at outside entrances.
9. Water utilities — Note location relative to construction area to prevent intrusion of dust into water systems. (Note: Contamination of water pipes during demolition activities has been associated with health-care–associated transmission of Legionella spp.)
10. Medical gas piping — Ensure that these lines/pipes are insulated during periods of vibration.
11. Rooftops — Temporarily close off during active demolition/construction those rooftop areas that are normally open to the public (e.g., rooftop atrium).
12. Dust generation — Provide methods (e.g., misting the area with water) to minimize dust.
13. Immunocompromised patients — Use walk-ways protected from demolition/construction sites; avoid outside areas close to these sites; avoid rooftops.
14. Pedestrian traffic — Close off entry ways as needed to minimize dust intrusion.
15. Truck traffic — Reroute if possible, or arrange for frequent street cleaning.
16. Education and awareness — Encourage reporting of hazardous or unsafe incidents associated with construction.
Source: CDC
Read more infection prevention and patient safety guidance:
- 7 Steps to Maintaining OSHA Compliance
- 11 Infection-Control Measures for Internal Construction and Repair Projects
- 10 Things to Know about Proper Hand Hygiene