What mil polyethylene is required for ICRA containment barriers?

Fire-retardant 6-mil polyethylene sheeting barrier with sealed zipper door in hospital construction — Fire-retardant 6-mil polyethylene, sealed top to bottom with a full-length zipper entry.

ICRA containment barriers commonly use fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting at least 6 mil thick (0.006 inches), a widely used practice rather than an ICRA 2.0 or CDC requirement. The sheeting must be completely sealed from top to bottom, continuously supported where sagging can occur (e.g., at ceilings), with entry/exit points double-layered — overlapping plastic with a weighted flap at least 2 feet wide at the bottom, or a full-length zipper door sealed at the bottom during work. Waste bags used in containment must also be 6-mil.

The specification

Thickness: 6 mil (0.006″) is common practice, not an ICRA 2.0 or CDC requirement. Thinner sheeting tears, sags, and won’t hold a seal.
Fire retardant: all polyethylene sheeting must be flame/fire retardant — non-FR poly is a fuel load and an ILSM problem.
Sealing: sealed top to bottom with tape that won’t leave residue; supported continuously to prevent sagging gaps.
Access: double-layer overlap with weighted 2-ft flap, or full-length zipper with bottom seal.
Waste: 6-mil bags for contained waste transport.

When poly isn’t enough

Plastic barriers — even 6-mil FR — may not be used for Class III or Class IV projects lasting more than two weeks, or anywhere hot work (torch cutting, welding, burning) occurs. Those situations require hard barriers. Poly is also inappropriate above ceilings as the sole barrier on long projects; the ceiling plenum isolation needs fire-rated 6-mil poly or hard barriers per the containment worksheet.

Procurement tip

Specify “fire-retardant 6-mil polyethylene, NFPA 701 or equivalent flame-retardant rated” in the ICRA permit and the construction documents — and verify the delivered rolls are labeled FR. Unlabeled poly on site is assumed non-FR until proven otherwise.

Six mil, fire-retardant, sealed top to bottom — no substitutes.

See soft vs. hard containment barriers and the ICRA matrix and barriers guide.

FAQ

What thickness of poly is required for ICRA barriers?
6 mil (0.006 inches) is common practice rather than an ICRA 2.0 or CDC requirement; fire-retardant, sealed top to bottom.

Does the polyethylene have to be fire retardant?
Yes — all sheeting must be flame/fire retardant. Non-FR poly is a fuel load.

Can 6-mil poly be used for a month-long Class IV project?
No — Class III/IV projects over two weeks require solid (hard) barriers.