What is the most effective method for mitigating dust and debris contamination during a hospital renovation project near a patient care area?

The most effective method for mitigating dust and debris contamination during a hospital renovation project near a patient care area involves a combination of engineering controls, work practices, and monitoring. The cornerstone of dust control is creating a robust containment barrier around the construction area. This typically involves using airtight temporary walls, sealed doorways with self-closing mechanisms, and covering any exposed surfaces. It's crucial to maintain negative air pressure within the construction zone relative to adjacent patient care areas. This is achieved using a HEPA-filtered air handling unit dedicated to the construction area, exhausting air to the outside. All personnel entering and exiting the containment area should pass through a dedicated anteroom or changing area to remove contaminated clothing and equipment. Work practices should include wet methods for cutting and grinding materials to minimize dust generation, prompt cleanup of debris, and the use of HEPA-filtered vacuums. Regular air monitoring should be conducted both inside and outside the containment area to verify the effectiveness of the dust control measures. These combined strategies minimize the risk of airborne contaminants reaching vulnerable patients.