Safer Hospital Construction: Navigating CSA Standards with Smarter Interior Climate Control

With healthcare-associated infections affecting one in every nine hospital patients in Canada, the need for effective preventive measures has never been more critical. The CSA Z317.13:22 standard, titled “Infection control during construction, renovations, and maintenance of health care facilities (HFC),” outlines the procedures for assessing risks and implementing precautionary and corrective measures during healthcare facility construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair activities to prevent exposure to released or heightened agents.

In accordance with the CSA Z317.13:22 standard, Polygon Climate Control offers engineered-climate solutions applicable to every project Category. Our ExactAire remote monitoring technology offers proven, operational systems deployed in over 125 projects across North America, ensuring a healthy indoor environment. For 25 years, our temporary climate solutions have played a crucial role in safeguarding hospitals. Aligned with the requirements of the CSA Z317.13:22 standard, our solutions aim to protect patients, staff and visitors from potential exposure to infectious agents, mitigating risks and ensuring optimal safety at every step.  

Our integrated solution contributes to a robust quality system by enabling control, monitoring, and documentation of environmental conditions. It provides visibility into areas needing improvement and continuously monitors indoor air quality, offering real-time data insights crucial for reviewing compliance with guidelines and identifying areas for enhancement. We've been actively engaging in discussions with our customers regarding various aspects of the CSA standard, offering solutions to assist hospital multidisciplinary teams in meeting its requirements. 

Dust Control 

Equipped with cutting-edge air filtration equipment and sensors, we ensure efficient monitoring and control of dust particles. The ExactAire IAQ Plus system, adept at detecting particulate matter in varying sizes (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10), ensures optimal air quality and minimizes the risk of dust migration from construction area to occupied areas. 

Differential pressure 

Utilizing advanced sensors, we monitor, log, and visually display pressure differentials. Adaptability is key, with sensors and monitoring, easily relocating to match changing construction dynamics, particularly in spaces requiring positive pressure. Constructors must keep a daily pressure differential log, continuously monitoring and ensuring a total differential pressure of 7.5 Pa (0.03 WC) from construction zone to hospital zone. This helps prevent infection by maintaining continued directional airflow from clean to dirty areas. 

“Having access to differential pressure data is key for everyone involved in a project to ensure the guidelines are being met. Our system allows us to automate weekly reports and customize alarm levels, which means failures in barriers or air moving equipment will be caught right away. That allows us to jump into action quickly to investigate and resolve any issues,” said Sean Smith, Polygon Climate Control’s BC Unit Manager and Certified CSA for Fundamentals and Effective Implementations of Infection Control. 

Ventilation Control 

Our solutions enable ventilation systems to make dynamic adjustments, ensuring that air movement aligns seamlessly with the changing phases of construction. Moreover, as buildings transition to permanent HVAC systems, our equipment serves as a reliable backup, with sensors validating desired environmental conditions. We also optimize ventilation to prevent dust accumulation without relying solely on permanent air handling systems. 

Temperature and humidity control 

With our IAQ Plus sensor, featuring dehumidification or humidification capabilities and Smart Controller integration, we ensure precise control over temperature and humidity levels. We can target RH to under 50% or a range 40-60% and bring in dehumidification as needed. Automation driven by real-time sensor data guarantees targeted RH levels, optimizing comfort and health.  

Construction materials susceptible moisture damage 

Shipping and handling of construction materials is an important aspect of the guidelines. Materials must be stored away from any potential exposure to contaminants or excessive moisture. Our sensors, including the ExactAire Multi Sensor with WME probe, effectively measure ambient temperature and humidity of storage and construction spaces as well as the moisture content in construction materials like drywall and wood, preventing potential damage. 

Alarming and documentation of monitoring activities 

Through Exactaire.com and our mobile app, we offer round-the-clock monitoring and alarming of various parameters, ensuring operational efficiency. Customizable reports and dashboards cater to diverse documentation needs, with alerts promptly delivered via email, SMS, or visual aids on dashboards. Dashboards can be created for ExactAire users as well as non-users. 

Water leaks and flooding 

Equipped with leak detection ropes and battery-operated sensors, we swiftly identify water or liquid presence, mitigating risks associated with leaks and flooding. These sensors are usually placed in low traffic or high-risk areas but can move throughout the building as risk levels change. Our services extend to emergency drying and content restoration, ensuring minimal disruption. Contact us for help in creating your flood plan or investigation of potential water leaks. 

Air sampling and monitoring 

Our IAQ Plus system plays a crucial role in monitoring air conditions, helping you to optimize the best times to conduct physical air samplings. This proactive approach prevents potential risks associated with unaddressed air quality issues, ensuring a safer indoor environment.  

Compliance with the CSA Z317.13:22 standard ensures that healthcare facilities effectively mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections stemming from construction-related activities. By adhering to these guidelines, hospitals can safeguard the health and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors, thereby fostering a safer and healthier environment for all. 

Reach out to us to learn more about our technology and how we can help guide the multidisciplinary teams in their next infection control plan. 

Sources:

• https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA%20Z317.13:22/ 
• https://picnet.ca/surveillance/healthcare-associated-infections/