What is the infection preventionist’s role on a construction project?
The infection preventionist (IP) is the clinical authority on the ICRA team: they assess patient risk, determine the Class of Precautions, approve the infection control permit before work begins, verify barriers and controls are in place, monitor compliance through the project, educate clinical staff on construction risks, and conduct surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (especially aspergillosis and Legionella) during and after construction. No one else on the team carries the patient-risk lens — that’s the IP’s job.
Across the project lifecycle
- Planning: risk assessment, class determination, permit conditions, relocation recommendations.
- Pre-construction: walkthrough verification — barriers complete, HVAC isolated, negative pressure holding. No verification, no work.
- Active construction: routine inspections, monitoring data review, breach response, staff education.
- Closeout: terminal cleaning verification, air and water system recommissioning checks, post-project surveillance for delayed infections.
Authority matters
The IP must have stop-work authority for infection control breaches — a breached barrier or lost negative pressure with vulnerable patients nearby can’t wait for the next committee meeting. That authority should be written into the ICRA permit, not assumed.
The IP speaks for the patients who can’t speak for the building.
See the ICRA team and how to perform an ICRA.
FAQ
What does the infection preventionist do during construction?
Assesses patient risk, sets the precaution class, approves the permit, verifies controls, monitors compliance, educates staff, and surveils for construction-related infections.
Can the IP stop construction?
They should have written stop-work authority for infection control breaches in the ICRA permit.
Does the IP stay involved after construction ends?
Yes — terminal cleaning verification and post-project infection surveillance are part of the role.