VHA.3 Jan 3 2025

VHA Infection Control Risk Assessment
for Construction, Renovation and Maintenance
Introductory Information and Instructions
Use this template as a baseline for performing facility Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs) for construction, renovation, and maintenance work (referred to as the “activity” in this document). The template provides minimum requirements for categorizing activity types and patient risk to determine the level of precautions needed to prevent infection risks. Facilities may customize this template to incorporate site-specific information and/or to add more stringent criteria. This VHA ICRA template pertains specifically to infection prevention. It must be used if required by the VHA Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) for the activity. NOTE: The PCRA addresses other activity-related safety concerns (e.g., vibration, noise, hazardous materials) outside the scope of the ICRA.
To complete the template:
1. Use Table 1 to identify the category of the construction, renovation and/or maintenance activity. 2. Use Table 2 to identify the areas affected by the activity. 3. Use Table 3 to identify the overall patient risk category that will be affected by the activity. 4. Use Table 4 to determine the level of infection prevention and control precautions needed for the activity.
Once all 4 steps above are completed: Refer to Table 5 for the minimum required control measures for the level of infection prevention and control precautions needed for the activity. Refer to Table 6 for the minimum infection prevention and control measures required on completion of the activity. PERMIT: See the last page of this document for a fillable permit form to be used for posting at the activity site as needed.

Table 1 - Construction, Renovation, and/or Maintenance Activity Category NOTE: If any of the bulleted criteria in a higher activity category pertains to the work that will be done (even if the other criteria are in a lower category), use the higher activity category for the VHA ICRA. Activity Category determined from Table 1 (A, B, C, or D):

Category
A

Category
B

A

Inspection and/or facility upkeep generally defined as follows: • Work can be completed in a single shift, not to exceed 10 hours. • Patients and/or employees may be in the area depending on the activity. • Work that does not create dust or debris.
• Removal of ceiling tile or access to mechanical or electrical chase for visual inspection limited to 1 tile per 50 square feet with limited exposure time (not to exceed an hour for