CHSP Construction and Renovation Safety (PCRA/ICRA)

Question 1

Which tool is used BEFORE beginning a construction or renovation project in a healthcare facility to evaluate the potential impact on patient safety, infection risk, and utility disruptions?

Accepted Answer

Preconstruction Risk Assessment (PCRA)

Answer

Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)

Answer

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Answer

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Question 2

Under The Joint Commission's Environment of Care standards (EC.02.06.05), who must be included in developing the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) for a major renovation project?

Accepted Answer

The infection preventionist and the safety officer at a minimum, with other stakeholders as needed

Answer

The facility safety officer and the construction contractor only

Answer

The Chief Medical Officer and the Board of Directors

Answer

The state health department and EPA regional office

Question 3

An ICRA matrix classifies construction projects into activity types (I–IV) and patient risk groups. A project involving major demolition adjacent to an oncology unit would MOST likely require which controls?

Accepted Answer

Activity Type III or IV controls: full containment barriers, negative pressure, and HEPA filtration

Answer

Activity Type I controls: routine cleaning only

Answer

Activity Type II controls: dust suppression with active HEPA filtration in the work area

Answer

No special controls because demolition generates only construction dust, not infectious particles

Question 4

During a hospital renovation, construction workers inadvertently breach a wall containing an active water supply line, causing a brief water intrusion event. The healthcare safety professional's FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Notify the infection preventionist and begin a mold and moisture assessment immediately

Answer

File an insurance claim and document the incident for future reference

Answer

Reassure staff that minor water events do not require any special response

Answer

Wait 72 hours to see if visible mold growth appears before taking action

Question 5

Which of the following is the primary purpose of maintaining negative air pressure in a construction zone adjacent to occupied patient care areas?

Accepted Answer

To prevent dust and airborne fungal spores from migrating into occupied areas

Answer

To reduce construction worker noise exposure

Answer

To meet OSHA confined space requirements for the work area

Answer

To reduce energy consumption during the construction phase

Question 6

After completion of a major renovation project in a patient care area, which action is required BEFORE patients are returned to the space?

Accepted Answer

Post-construction ICRA clearance inspection including air quality verification and terminal cleaning

Answer

A 30-day waiting period to allow any residual dust to settle naturally

Answer

Submission of as-built drawings to the state health department for approval

Answer

Replacement of all HVAC filters in the entire hospital, not just the renovated area