Activities that do not generate dust or require cutting of walls or access to ceilings except for visual inspection. Minor plumbing work.

Small scale, short duration work that creates minimal airborne dust.

Work that generates a moderate to high level of dust or requires demolition or removal of fixed building components (such as countertops). Includes sanding of walls, removal of floor-coverings, ceiling tiles, minor duct work, etc.

Major demolition, construction and renovation projects. Major plumbing modifications.

Office areas, unoccupied wards, public areas

All patient care areas (unless classified as Group 3 or 4), outpatient areas, admission/discharge areas

Emergency, radiology/MRI, post anesthesia care, labour and delivery, normal newborn nurseries, nuclear medicine, day surgery, physiotherapy tank areas, general surgical wards, pediatrics, geriatrics, long-term care

ICU, operating rooms, anesthesia and pump areas, oncology units and outpatient areas for cancer care, transplant units and outpatient areas for transplant patients, immunodeficiency areas, dialysis, tertiary care nurseries, cardiac catherization and angiography, endoscopy areas, pharmacy admixture rooms, Central Processing Department and Central Inventory Department

• Immediately replace ceiling tiles removed for inspection. Vacuum the work area following work.
  
  
• Perform water interruptions during low activity periods, flush systems after interruption, check for discoloured water, ensure water temperature meets minimum requirements.
  
  
• Minimize patients’ exposure to work area.

• Provide means to minimize dust creation and dispersal (drop sheets, seal work area at openings, dust mat at entrance).
  
  
• Disable and seal ventilation system.
  
  
• Wet mop and vacuum with HEPA vacuum when work is complete. Wipe horizontal surfaces with disinfectant.
  
  
• Consider hyperchlorination or superheating of stagnant potable water.

• Consult with Infection Control department prior to work.
  
  
• Erect impervious dust barrier, slab to slab, of 2 layers of 6 mil polyethylene sheeting or drywall. Maintain negative pressure within work area by means of HEPA filtered exhaust ventilation.
  
  
• HEPA vacuum work area daily or more frequently.
  
  
• Flush water lines before patients are readmitted.
  
  
• Thoroughly clean construction site after completion of work.
  
  
• Move high risk patients who are in or adjacent to the construction area.
  
  
• Route construction workers and material away from high-risk patients.

• Provide anteroom to work area enclosure. Provide workers with dust impervious coveralls to be removed on leaving work area, or thoroughly HEPA vacuum workers on leaving. Mandatory shoe covers and walk-off mats.
  
  
• Infection Control to regularly inspect construction site to ensure all precautions are being followed.