How to Build a Temporary Wall That Meets ICRA Standards

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🧱 How to Build a Temporary Wall That Meets ICRA Standards

In healthcare construction and renovation, ICRA compliance is more than a best practice—it’s a necessity. The Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) protocol ensures that patients and staff are protected from dust, airborne pathogens, and construction-related contamination. If you’re wondering how to build a temporary wall that meets ICRA standards, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from materials to layout, sealing, and maintaining a compliant barrier.

🛠 Pro Tip: Rental or purchase options from companies like Containment Wall Solutions offer fast setup and full compliance.

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🔑 Why ICRA Compliance Matters

During renovations in hospitals or healthcare facilities, dust and debris can carry pathogens that threaten immunocompromised patients. A properly constructed temporary wall:

• Prevents cross-contamination

• Isolates construction zones

• Maintains air quality

• Complies with OSHA and hospital protocols

Failing to meet ICRA standards can delay projects, violate regulations, and endanger health.

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🛠️ Steps to Build a Temporary Wall That Meets ICRA Standards

1. Use High-Quality Temporary Wall Systems

Avoid makeshift plastic barriers. Instead, use pre-engineered temporary wall systems like STARC  that are:

• Reusable and modular

• Sound-attenuating

• Fire-rated (Class A)

• Easy to sanitize

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2. Design the Layout According to ICRA Guidelines

Evaluate the risk class (I–IV) using your hospital’s ICRA matrix. Most healthcare renovations fall into Class III or IV, requiring:

• Full wall enclosures (floor to ceiling)

• Negative air pressure containment

• Air scrubbers or HEPA filtration

• Ante rooms or access control areas

🗂 Use hospital ICRA documents to ensure your wall placement meets infection prevention guidelines.

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3. Ensure a Tight Seal

ICRA compliance depends on an airtight seal. Focus on:

• Sealing around penetrations (pipes, wires)

• Using foam gasketing or neoprene to eliminate air leaks

• Caulking baseplates and top rails

• Installing sweep gaskets or rubber seals at the bottom

🚧 Your temporary wall must be 100% sealed to maintain negative air pressure.

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4. Integrate HEPA Filtration & Air Monitoring

Class IV containment requires negative pressure and HEPA air filtration. Install:

• Portable HEPA filter units inside the enclosure

• Pressure monitors with alarms

• Exhaust vents that direct air outside the building or into filtered ducts

💡 Continuous monitoring ensures your setup remains compliant during the entire project.

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5. Document, Inspect & Maintain

Compliance doesn’t end with installation. You must:

• Perform daily checks on seals and pressure

• Record pressure readings and airflow

• Sanitize surfaces and touchpoints regularly

• Log entry/exit for all personnel

📋 Keep all records as part of your infection control file.

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🧰 Best Tools & Materials for ICRA-Compliant Temporary Walls

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🏥 When to Call the Experts

If you’re working on a tight timeline or a sensitive project, it’s smart to call a professional. At Containment Wall Solutions, we:

• Offer rental and installation of ICRA-compliant temporary walls

• Specialize in STARC Systems

• Deliver fast to MA, CT, NH, RI, VT, NY, and NJ

• Provide turnkey containment solutions for healthcare renovations

📞 Contact us at Brent@containmentwallsolutions.com or call 617-922-3421 for a fast quote.

 

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