Waterborne Infection Control During Construction Contractors must take precautions to prevent the growth and spread of waterborne pathogens, mold, and bacteria during construction activities. All plumbing, medical gas, and other piping systems must remain capped until installation is complete to prevent contamination. Waterdamaged materials must be removed promptly, as mold can develop within three days and release airborne spores that may pose serious risks to vulnerable patients. To prevent bacterial growth, water systems that have been stagnant for more than five days must be thoroughly flushed for a minimum of five minutes before being returned to service. Proper water management and infection control practices are essential to protecting patient safety and maintaining a healthy healthcare environment.
Fire Protection Fire detection and suppression systems are critical to patient safety and must remain operational unless an approved impairment has been authorized through the Manager of Facility Engineering. Contractors must coordinate any work affecting fire protection systems, obtain required approvals before disabling systems, and promptly communicate any need to extend impairments. Contractors are responsible for preventing false alarms by evaluating construction activities that could impact fire alarm systems and obtaining the necessary impairment approvals. Any costs associated with contractor-caused false alarms may be the contractor’ s responsibility. When fire protection systems are impaired, appropriate interim life safety measures such as fire extinguishers, pull stations, and heat detectors must be provided and maintained. Fire and smoke barriers, ceiling tiles, and penetration seals must also be restored and maintained in accordance with the NPFA.
Hot Work Standard / Procedure Hot work activities, including welding, cutting, grinding, open flames, spark-producing tools, and other operations that generate heat or ignition sources, require a Hot Work Permit to prevent fires and explosions, particularly in occupied or hazardous areas. Permits are valid only for the day issued, must be posted at the work site, and require appropriate fire protection measures, including readily accessible fire extinguishers and fire watches when necessary. Before hot work begins, the work area must be inspected for combustible materials, hazardous conditions, and potential impacts to surrounding areas. Contractors are responsible for ensuring equipment and work areas are properly prepared, communicating hazards and special precautions, conducting required atmospheric testing, and maintaining safe conditions throughout the work. Work must stop immediately if conditions become unsafe, emergency alarms occur, or facility emergencies arise. Upon completion of the work, the area must be re-inspected to verify it is free from fire hazards and safe for normal operations. Compliance with all hot work permit requirements is mandatory to protect patients, staff, visitors, contractors, and hospital property.
Fire Watch A dedicated fire watch may be required for activities such as torch cutting, welding, grinding, and other hot work that could create sparks or ignition sources. The need for a fire watch for certain construction activities will be determined in the ILSM meeting before construction begins. The fire watch must monitor the work area and surrounding spaces, including adjacent rooms and lower levels, to ensure combustible materials are controlled and fire hazards are prevented. Personnel assigned to fire watch duties must complete the required Fire Watch Documentation Form to verify that fire watch activities were performed, required inspections were conducted, and the work area