Updated October 25, 2024 The latest ASHE-led changes aimed at improving infection control during healthcare construction—commonly referred to as ICRA 2.0—offer much to consider for those tasked with installing temporary construction walls. During STARC’s recent webinar, ICRA 2.0: Recommendations for Improving Prevention Planning in Healthcare Construction, attendees heard from experts and engaged with many questions.
Making Construction More Sustainable
Every year, more than 600 million tons of construction and demolition material is wasted in the US, taking up some 3 billion square yards in landfills. It’s not helping the environment and also significantly adds to construction costs.
Healthcare Renovations: Making Sense of Fire Safety
Two of the main culprits contributing to fire safety issues during healthcare construction projects are confusion surrounding fire codes and, in many cases, a general lack of awareness.
Modular Wall Systems: 3 Advantages for Project Managers
Rising prices are top of mind for project managers, who are doing their best to deliver on-schedule and on-budget while navigating supply chain issues and labor challenges. To help build some price predictability into project starts, many are taking a closer look at temporary containment, particularly for occupied renovations.
What You Need to Know About Flame Spread Ratings
Updated September 22, 2025 Flame spread ratings show how quickly fire moves across a material’s surface and how much smoke it produces, as measured by ASTM E84. Materials are rated Class A (best, FSI 0–25), B, or C. For fire endurance over time, ASTM E119 measures how long an assembly can resist fire exposure. When… Read more »
Improving Prevention Planning With ICRA 2.0
The next generation of the infection control risk assessment – dubbed ICRA 2.0 – was developed by ASHE, which convened a group of experts to review the original ICRA processes after several years in use. Although the updated precautions matrix is intended as a guide for healthcare construction and renovation projects, it’s a good idea… Read more »
What are the AHJs for fire barriers?
Updated September 15, 2025 Fire barriers play a critical role in protecting patients and staff—and meeting code requirements is essential. But even the most robust wall system won’t fly unless the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) sign off on it. For Facilities Managers and Project Managers, understanding who the AHJs are—and how they operate—can mean the… Read more »
What Is ASTM E90? Understanding Sound Transmission in Temporary Walls
Updated September 18, 2025 Noise is one of the most common—and frustrating—challenges during construction projects. Whether the work is happening in a hospital, airport, office building, or university, excess noise disrupts occupants, impacts productivity, and even raises safety concerns. That’s why understanding ASTM E90, the test used to measure sound transmission in wall systems, is… Read more »
5 Cases Using ICRA 2.0: Test Your Understanding
By JANET HAAS, PhD, RN, CIC, Principal Consulting Epidemiologist, Innovative Infection Prevention The latest version of the infection control risk assessment has been called ICRA 2.0 to distinguish it from the original version that facility managers and infection preventionists have been using for several years. As mentioned in my previous blog post on this topic,… Read more »