CSA Group has released a new version of CSA Z317.13 Infection Control during Construction, Renovation and Maintenance in Healthcare Facilities, which incorporates improvements based on industry advances since the previous edition release in 2012.
Various organizations have informed the standard and its mandatory requirements for performing work on their respective sites.
CSA Group training courses have also been updated in the process and educational sessions are now being scheduled across the country, and are relevant for anyone working in maintenance, renovations or construction in all types of healthcare facilities. Construction, renovation, and maintenance of health care facilities bring specific risks associated with potentially fatal infection and illness, states CSA Group. Preventing and controlling infection while these activities take place requires the implementation and support of preventive measures intended to protect patients, staff, and visitors from potential harm.
In order to best protect vulnerable occupants, it is recommended that those involved take both courses: Fundamentals of Infection Control and Effective Implementations and Practical Applications of Infection Control.
The first course touches upon theory, content and knowledge of the standard, while the second presents real life case scenarios, which highlight the path to the 2017 version of the standard.
The two classes can be taken together or they at one time. Those planning to attend the Effective Implementation course must have had the Fundamentals course at some stage prior to signing up for that second course.
All of the classes offered can be found on CSA Group’s website. A session can be coordinated for a group ad on-site training is also available depending on the number of parties interested and instructor availability. CHES members can take advantage of financial assistance from their respective chapters and may be able to qualify for a bursary.