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construction in healthcare
Construction in VUMC Healthcare
Facilities
Construction and renovation activities in healthcare facilities
pose special hazards, particularly infection control risks for
compromised patients and increased potential for fire. According to
the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Department of Health
(HealthCare Facilities/ 1200-800-8-1-.08 (23)), “Construction and
renovation projects shall provide for the safety and protection of
patients and personnel.”
In order to manage these hazards at Vanderbilt, Environmental
Health and Safety (VEHS), Plant Services, Infection Control, and
Space and Facilities Planning have developed a construction safety
and oversight program. The primary protocols associated with this
program are outlined in the following VUMC Policies:
- Infection Control Interventions During Construction in Patient
Care Areas, IC 10-10.17
- Interim Life Safety Implementation Policy, SA 40-10.05
- Fire Watch Procedure for Construction, Maintenance, and
Repair, SA 10-10.08
The purpose of the program is to provide a comprehensive plan to
assess air quality control, infection control hazards, implications,
and interventions when new construction and/or renovation in the
patient care setting is anticipated. These policies apply to all
VUMC healthcare facilities: on-campus and off-site.
All new construction or renovation projects in patient care areas
are to be evaluated prior to work and reviewed during construction
to promote patient safety and cleanliness. This consultative review
is performed by the applicable VUMC construction manager, Infection
Control and VEHS. During the initial consultation review, a
Construction Matrix is completed, outlining the scope of work and
the level of protection/dust control required for the project.
Construction activity in any healthcare area is performed by methods
that minimize dust generation.
Weekly jobsite inspections are performed by representatives of
VEHS, Infection Control, Plant Services, and Space and Facilities
Planning.
The Department or Unit Manager working in areas where there is
construction or renovation activities is responsible for:
- Providing a safe environment for the patient and staff.
- Working with Plant Services, Space and Facilities Planning,
and the contractors to isolate construction activities from
patient care activities.
- Reporting any problems to Plant Services or Space and
Facilities Planning.
References
VUMC Documents Used in the Healthcare Construction Safety
Program
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