Infection Control in Medical Facility Construction: A Personal and Professional Perspective
- Gene Fitzwater
- Oct 3, 2024
- 4 min read
My journey in construction began in 1991, but it wasn’t until 2005 that I started working in medical facilities. Over the years, I've overseen projects in medical facilities all across the Chicago market. However, in 2016, my life took an unexpected turn when I became paralyzed from the waist down and underwent an emergency laminectomy surgery to decompress my spinal cord. This surgery gave me some limited mobility back, and through extensive rehabilitation, I was able to learn to walk again. Spending so much time in hospitals and rehabilitation centers gave me a unique perspective on the importance of infection control. I’ve not only been on the side of the construction manager ensuring the safety of the environment but also as a patient relying on those protocols for my own recovery.
Infection Control: More Than a Job As the lead construction manager on projects requiring infection control, I always recognized the gravity of my work on patient health. However, lying in a hospital bed, undergoing multiple surgeries, I realized that infection control transcends protocols; it is deeply personal. My experiences have taught me that these measures are vital not only for vulnerable patients but for anyone entering a medical facility.
Managing Infection Control on Construction Sites Overseeing construction in sensitive medical environments means working under the constant pressure to maintain sterile conditions. Contaminants from construction can pose significant risks to patients, particularly those in surgery or intensive care. I’ve witnessed the dire consequences of lapses in protocol, solidifying my commitment to infection control.
HEPA Filtration: The First Line of Defense One of the key infection control measures I’ve implemented is HEPA filtration. These filters trap 99.97% of airborne particles, and we utilize portable HEPA units to ensure the construction zone remains as clean as possible. As a patient, knowing that proper air filtration was in place was a source of reassurance during my recovery.
Air Pressure: Controlling Contaminants Managing air pressure in medical facilities is crucial. Negative air pressure environments draw air into construction zones, preventing contaminants from escaping, while positive air pressure in operating rooms ensures a sterile environment. Monitoring air pressure has always been a top priority for our team.
Sealing Off the Work Area Sealing work areas with Visqueen sheeting or temporary drywall has been standard practice in my projects. Knowing that construction was occurring just outside my hospital room, I found comfort in knowing that containment measures were isolating the work from vulnerable spaces.
Equipment Cleaning and Roll-off Mats Even small details, like roll-off mats, play a significant role in infection control. These mats capture dust and debris from workers’ shoes, and we meticulously clean equipment moving in and out of the construction zone to prevent contamination. My experiences in intensive care underscored the necessity of these precautions.
Gowning Up and PPE Every worker entering a construction zone in a hospital must don personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes disposable gowns, gloves, masks, and shoe covers, which protect both the workers and the hospital environment. My time in hospitals has reinforced the importance of maintaining a sterile environment for patient recovery.
Lessons from Both Sides My dual experiences as a construction manager and patient have enriched my understanding of infection control. The cleanliness of the hospital was vital to my recovery, and the measures implemented to control infections directly impacted my health. Infection control is a responsibility that safeguards lives—real people who depend on sterile conditions for healing.
Infection Control Checklist for Contractors
To ensure effective infection control on construction sites within medical facilities, consider implementing the following checklist:
1. Air Quality Control
Use HEPA filtration units to purify air in construction zones.
Regularly monitor and maintain air pressure (negative and positive) as required.
2. Work Area Containment
Seal off work areas using Visqueen sheeting or temporary drywall.
Ensure entry and exit points are properly contained to prevent contamination.
3. Equipment and Personnel Protocols
Implement a strict cleaning routine for all equipment entering and exiting the construction zone.
Utilize roll-off mats at entrances to capture dust and debris.
Use covered gondolas to transport materials safely, minimizing exposure to contaminants.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Mandate the use of disposable gowns, gloves, masks, and shoe covers for all workers.
Establish a procedure for changing PPE when moving between different areas.
5. Regular Inspections
Conduct daily inspections of infection control measures and equipment.
Document any breaches in protocol and address them immediately.
6. Training and Awareness
Provide ongoing training for workers about infection control procedures.
Ensure that all team members understand the importance of these measures for patient safety.
Conclusion Infection control in medical facility construction transcends protocols; it’s about understanding the profound impact those protocols have on patients. Having seen both sides—leading construction teams in sensitive environments and being a patient who relied on those precautions—I am more committed than ever to ensuring that every aspect of infection control is executed with the utmost care. It’s not just about the job; it’s about protecting lives.
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