Patient Safety Tool: Infection Control Checklist When Reopening After Extensive Water and Wind Damage

Prior to opening a healthcare facility that has undergone extensive water and wind damage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state inspections need to be conducted to determine if the building is salvageable.

If the decision is made to proceed with recovery and remediation, CDC states building and life safety inspections must be completed before any restoration work is done to the facility.

Here is an overview of the activities that need to be completed before reopening and a site-specific checklist for selected areas of the facility to assist in determining if the facility is ready to be opened. Parts I – IV describe the activities that need to be completed. Parts V – VII provide guidance for infection control review of facilities to be done before the facility can reopen.

Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!

Prior to opening any portion of a facility such as emergency rooms or clinics, adequate support services need to be available to provide quality care in a safe environment. Contracting with outside services could be considered. Certification for occupancy must be obtained prior to reopening the facility. Regulations regarding healthcare facility certification and licensing differ from state to state. Refer to specific state and local government resources for more information.

I. Safety Evaluation

The following should be evaluated by facilities experts:

• structural integrity and missing structural items
• assessment of hidden moisture
• electrical system damage, including high voltage, insulation, and power integrity
• water distribution system damage
• sewer system damage
• fire emergency systems damage
• air handling system damage
• medical waste and sharps disposal system

II. Water Removal

Water should be removed as soon as possible once the safety of the structure has been verified.

• pump out standing water
• wet vacuum residual wetness from floors, carpets and hard surfaces
• clean wet vacuums after use and allow to dry

III. Water Damage Assessment and Mold Remediation

• open the windows in the damaged areas of the building during remediation
• remove porous items that have been submerged or have visible mold growth or damage
• minimize dispersion of mold spores by covering the removed items and materials with plastic sheeting (dust-tight chutes leading to dumpsters outside the building may be helpful)
• dispose these items as construction waste
• seal off the ventilation ducts to and from the remediation area and isolate the work area from occupied spaces, if the building is partially occupied
• scrub and clean hard surfaces with detergents to remove evident mold growth (If a biocide is used, follow manufacturer's instructions for use and ventilate the area. Do not mix chlorine-containing biocides with detergents or biocides containing ammonia.)

• dry the area and remaining items and surfaces

• evaluate the success of drying and look for residual moisture in structural materials (Moisture detection devices [e.g., moisture meters] or borescopes could be used in this evaluation.)
• remove and replace structural materials if they cannot be dried out within 48 hours

IV. Inspect, Repair, Disinfect where Appropriate, or Replace Facility Infrastructure

• HVAC system (motors, duct work, filters, insulation) inspection, disinfection, repair and replacement
• water system (cold and hot water, sewer drainage, steam delivery, chillers, boilers)
• steam sources (if piped in from other places e.g., utility companies it will impact autoclaves)
• electrical system (wiring, lighting, paging and patient call systems, emergency generators, fire alarms)
• electronic communication systems (telephones, paging and patient call systems, computers)
• medical gas system
• hazardous chemicals/radioactive storage

V. General Inventory of Areas with Water and Wind Damage

• What furniture can be salvaged?
  • discard wet porous furniture that cannot be dried and disinfected (including particle board furniture)
  • disinfect furniture with non-porous surfaces and salvage
  • discard upholstered furniture, drapery, and mattresses if they have been under water or have mold growth or odor
  • discard all items with questionable integrity or mold damage
• What supplies can be salvaged?
  • salvage linens and curtains following adequate laundering
  • salvage prepackaged supplies in paper wraps that are not damaged, exposed to water or extreme moisture, or in a molded environment
  • discard items if there is any question about integrity or mold exposure
  • dry essential paper files and records (professional conservators may be contacted for assistance)

• Electrical medical equipment
  • check motors, wiring and insulation for damage
  • inspect equipment for moisture damage
  • clean and disinfect equipment following manufacturers' instructions
  • do not connect wet electronic equipment to electricity
• Structures
  • inspect, repair, or replace wallboard, ceiling tiles, and flooring
  • repair, replace, and clean damaged structures

VI. Review Issues for Reopening Facilities

• Requirements needed prior to opening a facility
  • potable water
  • adequate sewage disposal
  • adequate waste and medical waste management
• Have all areas to be opened been thoroughly dried out, repaired, and cleaned?
• Does the number of air exchanges in areas of the facility meet recommended standards?
• Are negative-pressure rooms functioning properly?

VII. Site Specific Check List for Selected Areas of the Facility

Use the following checklist to assist in determining if the facility is ready to be opened.

VIII. Post Reoccupation Surveillance

Focused microbial sampling may be indicated to determine if:

• the water in the facility's water distribution system meets the microbial quality of the Safe Drinking Water Act (see: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/index.html);
• mold remediation efforts were effective in reducing microbial contamination in the affected areas of the hospital (see: http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html);

or if patients who are receiving care in the reopened facility acquire infections that are potentially healthcare-associated and that may be attributed to Aspergillus spp. or other fungi, non-tubercular mycobacteria, Legionella, or other waterborne microorganisms above expected levels.

Source: CDC

View our database providing 75-plus reports that link to free, downloadable and often adaptable tools for use in surgery centers, hospitals and other provider organizations by clicking here.

Related Articles on Emergency Preparedness:

Patient Safety Tool: Job Action Cards for Radiological Incident From Gundersen Lutheran Health System

Surgery Center Guidance: How to Comply With the Conditions for Coverage on Emergency Preparedness

10 Good Ideas for Great Quality Improvement Studies