PreConstruction Risk Assessment PCRA The PCRA has many

Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) The PCRA has many parts to insure a proper review prior to a construction activity which has the potential to affect employees and patients in the surrounding areas. 1

Noise and Vibration 2

Noise 3

Heavy Equipment • Heavy equipment outdoors can still create a noise problem for employees and patients. • Some activities may need to be restricted to certain hours of the day to accommodate a specific service. • (Consider the effects of exhaust on the surrounding areas. Bio-diesel and air scrubbers may help to help minimize odors. ) 4

Repetitive Noise • OSHA requires monitoring for noise exposure above 85 d. B. You may need to monitor repetitive noise to insure surrounding areas do not require hearing protection during demolition or installation. • Noise can affect the health and well-being of employees and patients in the surrounding areas. Consider the number of days to complete a task and determine when breaks in the repetitive noise are necessary. 5

Vibration: Structural Integrity • Verify with engineering service that the task to be performed is not expected to compromise the structural integrity of the surrounding area. Be sure the area is properly assessed if concerns arise. • Ask if there is anything that needs to be removed or protected to prevent damage from the structural vibration. 6

Vibration: Structural Integrity • Protect equipment from dirt and debris that will be produced by the vibration. • Protect employees and patients from the dirt and debris produced during vibration as much as possible. Sensitive employees may experience respiratory distress even with minimal exposure. • Insure that areas are properly cleaned after the construction activity. 7

Air Quality • • Demolition Construction Solder/welding Sanding(Vacuum) Paint-low VOC Cleaning(MSDS) Floor Wax 8

Air Quality • Barriers – Examples: Barriers between construction and the corridor, barriers for return air vents, barriers for window air conditioners, secondary barriers under ceiling tile when work is performed on the deck above. • Barriers must be monitored routinely to maintain integrity. 9

Air Quality • Daily inspections by the contractor need to be recorded to demonstrate compliance with cleaning and barrier integrity. • Determine frequency of inspections to be performed by COTR, Safety and Infection Control based on the work being performed and areas affected. 10

Lesson Learned • Preparatory meetings are a great time to complete your pre-construction risk assessment. Be prepared to complete your documentation at this time, including signatures. • Bring affected services together if possible prior to the construction activity and have them sign the pre-construction risk assessment when possible. 11