Healthcare Demolition: ICRA Protocol & Clean Environments

Healthcare facilities present some of the most challenging environments for interior and selective demolition projects, where maintaining a sterile, contamination-free environment is absolutely critical. R Baker and Son recently demonstrated this expertise when tasked with a complex six-phase East-West interior demolition project in an older hospital wing that had last been renovated in the early 1990s. Each phase was meticulously completed one area at a time and systematically turned over to the new construction teams, ensuring continuous operation of the healthcare facility throughout the project. These complex projects demand meticulous planning and strict adherence to infection control protocols to protect patients, staff, and visitors from construction-related hazards.

ICRA Protocol Implementation

R. Baker Construction consistently follows Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) protocols when performing demolition work in healthcare facilities. ICRA provides a systematic approach to evaluating construction risks and implementing appropriate containment measures based on the specific healthcare environment and patient populations involved. This evidence-based methodology ensures that all demolition activities meet the highest standards for infection prevention and control.

Essential Containment Measures

Demolition in healthcare facilities requires comprehensive negative-pressure containment of the work space using temporary hard walls or heavy-duty plastic sheeting, meticulously sealed with duct tape to prevent contamination of surrounding areas. Supply air dampers within the containment zone must be properly isolated, and temporary airlocks must be constructed at all access and egress points to ensure that dust and contaminants cannot enter or escape the work area.

Specialized equipment plays a crucial role in maintaining proper containment. Filtered exhaust fans, air scrubbers, and negative air machines work together to create the necessary negative pressure differential and capture airborne contaminants. Negative pressure levels must be continuously monitored at airlocks and thoroughly documented throughout the project duration.

Worker Safety and Contamination Control

Tacky peel-away floor mats are strategically installed at all entrances and exits to remove contaminants from wheels and shoes, with regular replacement schedules maintained. All workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including shoe covers, coveralls, and respiratory protection as dictated by the specific ICRA assessment.

Dust control measures are implemented throughout the demolition process, including continuous vacuuming with HEPA-filtered equipment, misting systems, and surface wetting techniques. All demolition debris must be contained in sealed trash carts that undergo thorough decontamination when exiting and reentering the containment area.

Ongoing Maintenance and Project Completion

The work area requires continuous maintenance using HEPA vacuum systems and wet mopping procedures to ensure cleanliness standards are maintained throughout the project. Daily cleaning protocols and regular inspections help identify and address any potential containment breaches immediately.

Upon project completion, containment barriers may only be removed after comprehensive cleaning and disinfection procedures have been completed and verified. Final clearance testing and documentation ensure that the space meets all healthcare facility standards before being returned to normal operations.

Through strict adherence to ICRA protocols and comprehensive infection control measures, Baker Construction successfully manages the unique challenges of healthcare facility demolition while protecting the health and safety of all facility occupants.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

Since 1935, R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), has been your trusted partner for complex industrial projects. We specialize in expert demolition, dismantling, rigging, and plant relocation across North America and Puerto Rico. With a proven safety record, including direct involvement in ten VPP OSHA Safety Award-winning sites, and significant bonding capacity, we execute complex projects with precision. Our comprehensive services include industrial and commercial demolition, machinery moving, environmental remediation, and asset recovery. Discover why leading industrial clients rely on R. Baker & Son for safe and efficient solutions to their most challenging projects.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746
732-222-3553

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