Paris Community Hospital

Construction Worker Education

Infection Prevention & Control Tips During Construction and Renovation Projects:

  • Dust generated during construction and renovation in a hospital environment can contain bacteria and fungus that can make patients sick.
  • Exits from construction areas should contain walk off mats to help prevent dust from being carried or migrating into patient areas.
  • Barriers should be in place around construction projects to contain dust or other airborne particles.
  • Construction projects should have a sign in place so that staff/visitors know not to enter the area.
  • The HVAC system may need to be isolated by HEPA filtering or blocking air vents.
  • All construction debris/trash should be removed in a cart that is covered.
  • A HEPA vacuum may need to be used to clean dust in the construction area.

Safety Tips during Construction and Renovation Projects: (in addition to your own companies safety rules)

  • Limit Physical Risk by:
  • Knowing where fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations are and how to activate them.
  • Have all welding/soldering needs and times approved by the Environmental Services Manager.
  • When welding be sure to have a fire watch person standing by.
  • If using chemicals; have material safety data sheets available. Flammable items need to be stored out of the building.
  • Know what special precautions may be required for the area you are working in (I.e. hazards around MRI, Nuclear Medicine, etc.)
  • Leave your work site as clutter free as possible.
  • Limiting work times or the amount of noise may be required depending on when and where you are working within the Hospital. An unexpected noise during a surgery case could have devastating consequences.
  • Keep a look out for mistakes that could cause problems for staff or patients.
  • Check with Environmental Services before closing any system valves or turning off electrical power.
  • Don’t block exit pathways unless temporary well marked exits have been established ahead of time.
  • Ladders should be safety placed so as not to block doorways or exit corridors.

Please sign and date below to acknowledge the above education:

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