J045--Fan Coil Unit Replacements at VAMC West Haven, CT

APPENDIX A INFECTION PREVENTION MEASURES A. Implement the requirements of VA Medical Center’s Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) team. ICRA Group may monitor dust, in the vicinity of the construction work, and require the Service Provider to take corrective action immediately if the safe levels are exceeded. B. Establish and maintain a dust control program as part of the contractor’s infection preventive measures in accordance with the guidelines provided by ICRA Group as specified here. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific dust protection measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to Project Manager and Facility ICRA team for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01340, SAMPLES AND SHOP DRAWINGS. 1. All personnel involved in the construction or renovation activity shall be educated and trained in infection prevention measures established by the medical center. C. Medical Center Infection Control personnel shall monitor for airborne disease (e.g. aspergillosis) as appropriate during construction. A baseline of conditions may be established by the medical center prior to the start of work and periodically during the construction stage to determine impact of construction activities on indoor air quality. In addition: 1. The Project Manager and VAMC Infection Control personnel shall review pressure differential monitoring documentation to verify that pressure differentials in the construction zone and in the patient-care rooms are appropriate for their settings. The requirement for negative air pressure in the construction zone shall depend on the location and type of activity. Upon notification, the contractor shall implement corrective measures to restore proper pressure differentials as needed. 2. In case of any problem, the medical center, along with assistance from the contractor, shall conduct an environmental assessment to find and eliminate the source. D. In general, following preventive measures shall be adopted during construction to keep down dust and prevent mold. 1. Dampen debris to keep down dust and provide temporary construction partitions in existing structures where directed by Resident Engineer. Blank off ducts and diffusers to prevent circulation of dust into occupied areas during construction. 2. Analyze each site during design to determine the effects of blocking HVAC ducts and their impact on existing air handling systems that must remain operational before initiating a dust control program. The method of capping ducts shall be dust tight and withstand airflow. 3. Construct anteroom to maintain negative airflow from clean area through anteroom and into work area where required. 4. High risk patient care areas may require additional measures like air locks, special signage, smoke and negative pressure alarms. 5. Identify these areas clearly on the drawings and work with Medical Center personnel to achieve desired level of isolation suited to the scope of risk involved. 6. Do not perform dust- producing tasks within occupied areas without the approval of the Project Manager. For construction in any areas that will remain jointly occupied by the medical Center and Contractor’s workers, the Contractor shall: a. Provide dust proof fire-rated temporary drywall construction barriers to completely separate construction from the operational areas of the hospital in order to contain dirt debris and dust. Barriers shall be sealed and made presentable on hospital occupied side. Install a self-closing rated door in a metal frame, commensurate with the partition, to allow worker access. Maintain negative air at all times. A fire retardant polystyrene, 6-mil thick or greater plastic barrier meeting local fire codes may be used where dust control is the only hazard, and an agreement is reached with the Resident Engineer and Medical Center. b. HEPA filtration is required where the exhaust dust may reenter the breathing zone. Contractor shall verify that construction exhaust to exterior is not reintroduced to the medical center through intake vents, or building openings. Install HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Accumulator) filter vacuum system rated at 95% capture of 0.3 microns including pollen, mold spores and dust particles. Insure continuous negative air pressures occurring within the work area. HEPA filters should have ASHRAE 85 or other pre-filter to extend the useful life of the HEPA. Provide both primary and secondary filtrations units. Exhaust hoses shall be heavy duty, flexible steel reinforced and exhausted so that dust is not reintroduced to the medical center. c. Adhesive Walk-off/Carpet Walk-off Mats, minimum 24” x 36”, shall be used at all Interior transitions from the construction area to occupied medical center area. These mats shall be changed as often as required to maintain clean work areas directly outside construction area at all times. d. Vacuum and wet mop all transition areas from construction to the occupied medical center at the end of each workday. Vacuum shall utilize HEPA filtration. Maintain surrounding area frequently. Remove debris as they are created. Transport these outside the construction area in containers with tightly fitting lids. e. The contractor shall not haul debris through patient-care areas without prior approval of the Resident Engineer and the Medical Center. When, approved, debris shall be hauled in enclosed dust proof containers or wrapped in plastic and sealed with duct tape. No sharp objects should be allowed to cut through the plastic. Wipe down the exterior of the containers with a damp rag to remove dust. All equipment, tools, material, etc. transported through occupied areas shall be made free from dust and moisture by vacuuming and wipe down. f. Using a HEPA vacuum, clean inside the barrier and vacuum ceiling tile prior to replacement. Any ceiling access panels opened for investigation beyond sealed areas shall be …