May 8, 2013
Every healthcare facility faces risks associated with dissemination of fungal, bacterial, viral and chemical contaminants on a daily basis. While daily operations present many risks; the potential risks escalate during maintenance, renovation and construction projects. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they estimate that each year there are 2 million hospital- acquired infections that lead to 110,000 deaths.
Challenges of Renovation, Construction or Maintenance
With any construction there are always risks to the safety of those around the work-site However, in a hospital setting there are patients with compromised immune systems who are more likely to get an infection or illness due to the dust and waste from the job site. That is why any maintenance, construction or renovation project can create severe risks for building occupants. Since it is not feasible to shut down the whole hospital or some parts of the hospital it creates liability problems as well.
Modes of Microbial Transmission
- Air – Outdoor Intrusion, Filter Bypass, Soil, People and Materials.
- Water – Water Features, Cooling towers, Leaks and Equipment Failures.
- Surfaces – Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Door Knobs, Skin to Skin Contact and Counter Tops.
This is where AMI Environmental’s knowledge and responsibility can be a valuable asset to assist Owners and Contractors with services that include:
- Industrial Hygiene and Safety Compliance to protect Contractors, Owners employees and facility guests.
- Pre-Construction plans to manage risk. This is done through careful project phasing and examination of the different systems and services impacted.
- Regular safety evaluations, strategic monitoring and measurements to sure ensure standards are being adhered to.
How can AMI Environmental protect employees and the reputation of business?
At AMI Environmental, our main goal is to assist clients and create a safe building environment, while adhering to laws and government regulations. With decades of experience, our Industrial Hygiene Professionals purpose is to help our clients not only protect workers but also manage risk. Allowing you to then enjoy the peace of mind knowing your building occupants will be protected from harm. AMI will work to establish and maintain a safe environment, including surveying your facility for risks; provide testing within your facility; maintain testing protocol; and assist in the recording process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dan Taylor at [email protected].