Summary of Clean Construction Guidelines

All contractors working in healthcare environments need to practice clean construction methods to help limit dust infiltration leaking out of construction zones and maintenance activities while keeping non-construction clean zones. Dust in healthcare is a known major contributor of hospital acquired infections. Reduction and elimination of dust from work into clean zones is key.  

1. HVAC Engineering Controls – Use of existing building systems including ventilation, exhaust & added air scrubbers. 

• Prevent contamination of existing common ventilation by isolating supply air dampers in the construction areas to prevent a positive pressure within the construction space. Work with facilities staff to balance air flow. 
• Maintain construction (dirty zone) in a state of negative pressurization in ICRA containment zones. 
• Exhaust air from construction zone directly to outside when possible. 
• Scrub construction zone areas using HEPA air scrubber. 
• Use in-place exhaust systems to exhaust air from construction zone areas when possible.  

2. Engineering Controls – Build ante rooms & ICRA containment systems. 

• Install secure containment barriers that can withstand the contract term. 
• Maintain containment systems including barriers, doors and necessary mechanical panels to delineate dirty and clean zones.  
• Ensure orderly and follow common sense access rules.  
• Use a containment system that is fast, dust free and create limited noise during set up and take down.  
• Clean containment systems to avoid dust build up in both dirty and clean zones.  

3. Engineering Controls – Following clean contractor practices by all trades.  

• Use of tacky floor step off mats at the entrance to the construction area to stock tracking. 
• Use appropriate cover garb, garments and PPE. 
• All construction materials and demolition materials must be contained in secure plastic bags to prevent debris from contamination of surrounding clean areas. 
• All bagged debris will be removed in a covered and sealed container or cart to outside of the facility to dumpster. 
• Dust mop and damp mop as often as needed to control dust in both clean and dirty areas. 
• Contractors must act as “partners” to meet the clean construction objectives. 
• Use of vacuum system on saws, sanders and fume catchers are mandated.   
• Use of HEPA vacuums for as needed and daily clean-up are mandated. 
• Final cleaning prior to turn over.

4. Authorization & Work Permits. 

Permits will be the authorization issued by the hospital team including Infection Control Practitioners, Facility/Project Managers, Life Safety Manager, Impacted Clinical Areas and third-party Architects/Designers/Engineers will be part of the pre-bid, job walk, job issuance as well as the ICRA and PCRA process. The ICRA and PCRA process will be, adhered to, followed and maintained by all parties including all contractors and vendors.  

ER-Healthcare is a division of Electro-Mechanical Recertifiers, LLC . We operate out of southern Louisiana as a specialty consultant and service provider. One area of our services are to offers the healthcare industry the ability to help manage, control and execute clean construction projects. Please contact us by calling 877-378-4183.