Healthcare construction projects demand safety and minimal disruption, especially in environments where patient care is a priority. ICRA barriers play a crucial role by maintaining cleanliness and containing airborne contaminants. Outdated solutions like plastic sheeting and drywall fall short in these settings, allowing dust and pathogens to escape.
Infection control is essential in hospitals, where compromised immune systems make patients vulnerable. Contaminants like dust, mold, and airborne pathogens can cause severe complications, including hospital-associated infections (HAIs). To prevent these risks, airtight temporary wall systems that meet ICRA Class IV/V standards are critical for every healthcare project.
What Are ICRA Barriers, and Why Do They Matter?
ICRA barriers are temporary construction walls designed to keep dust, debris, and pathogens confined to the work area. These barriers meet strict ICRA Class IV/V standards, ensuring the containment of airborne contaminants. For healthcare renovations, this compliance is non-negotiable.
STARC’s RealWall™, LiteBarrier™, and FireblockWall™ systems exceed these standards. They offer a better alternative to drywall and plastic sheeting by providing secure, reusable barriers that effectively maintain clean, safe environments.
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The ‘Hidden Costs’ of Using Temporary Drywall
Temporary drywall may seem like a common solution, but it comes with significant drawbacks:
- Slow Installation and Removal: Drywall takes days to install and remove, creating noise, dust, and inconvenience for patients and staff.
- Environmental Impact: Drywall isn’t reusable, generating waste that contributes to nearly half of the construction industry’s landfill material. Disposal fees and environmental concerns only add to the problem.
- Health Risks: Drywall dust carries harmful particles that reduce air quality and increase infection risks, compromising patient recovery and safety.
Why Choose STARC’s ICRA-Compliant Temporary Walls?
STARC’s reusable wall systems provide a smarter, safer, and more sustainable alternative to drywall. Here’s how they excel:
- Fast, Quiet Installation: Install 100 feet in one hour, reducing disruption and maintaining a peaceful recovery environment. The noise-blocking core cuts sound levels by up to 50%, enhancing patient satisfaction.
- ICRA Compliance: These walls exceed ICRA Class IV/V standards, fully containing dust, debris, and pathogens.
- Cost Savings: Unlike drywall, STARC walls are reusable for multiple projects. Contractors save money on labor, materials, and waste disposal while reducing environmental impact.
Benefits for Patients and Facilities Managers
Choosing the right containment system affects more than the project—it impacts patient satisfaction and hospital performance ratings. STARC walls protect patients and maintain quiet, clean spaces, helping hospitals achieve high scores on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. Positive scores enhance hospital reputations and increase Medicare reimbursements.
By minimizing disruption and ensuring safety, STARC helps contractors and facilities managers meet deadlines while creating a better experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Healthcare construction comes with unique challenges, but the right tools make all the difference. STARC’s RealWall™, LiteBarrier™, and FireblockWall™ systems help protect patients, speed up projects, and reduce waste.
Don’t let outdated solutions compromise your project. Choose reusable, high-performance barriers that meet ICRA standards and safeguard your work and the people it affects.
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Learn how STARC can make your next healthcare renovation safer and more efficient. Reach out for a consultation and start saving time, money, and lives.