Healthcare Property Restoration: Why You Should Never See Air Movers Used

When disaster strikes a Healthcare facility, time and precision are of the essence. Whether it’s water damage from a burst pipe or an unexpected storm, the primary goal is to restore the affected area quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption to patient care. However, achieving this requires specialized knowledge of Healthcare environments, and not all restoration tools are appropriate for these settings.

One tool that should never be used during a Healthcare property loss is the standard air mover. While air movers are a staple in the restoration industry for their efficiency in drying spaces, they pose significant risks in Healthcare facilities.

The Risks of Air Movers in Healthcare Property Restoration

1. Cross-Contamination
   Air movers operate by forcefully circulating air to expedite drying. In a Healthcare facility, this can inadvertently spread contaminants, including mold spores, bacteria, and other pathogens, to clean areas. Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories are highly controlled environments where infection control is paramount. The unintended dissemination of contaminants can endanger patient health and compromise sterile zones.
2. Disruption of Airflow Systems
   Healthcare properties are equipped with complex HVAC systems, often designed with pressurization zones to maintain specific airflows. For instance, operating rooms, isolation rooms, and clean rooms rely on positive or negative air pressure to prevent the spread of airborne particles. Introducing an air mover can disrupt these delicate balances, undermining infection control protocols and regulatory compliance.
3. Regulatory Non-Compliance
   Regulatory agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Joint Commission, set strict standards for infection control and environmental safety in Healthcare facilities. Using air movers without proper containment and filtration could result in violations, legal repercussions, and damage to the facility’s reputation.

Best Practices for Healthcare Property Restoration

To address water damage or similar incidents in Healthcare settings, restoration professionals must employ specialized tools and methods that prioritize safety and compliance:

• HEPA-Filtered Negative Air Machines: These devices redirect filtered air to help dry spaces and remove airborne contaminants, ensuring a clean environment.
• Containment Barriers: Physical barriers with project specific control measures help prevent the spread of noise, vibrations, pathogens and airborne contaminants to unaffected areas.
• Pressure Monitoring: Regularly checking and maintaining pressure differentials in critical areas to avoid disruptions.
• Collaboration with Infection Control Teams: Partnering with the facility’s infection prevention and control (IPC) team ensures that restoration strategies align with healthcare-specific requirements.

Why Expertise Matters

Restoring a Healthcare facility is not the same as restoring a commercial office or retail space. It requires a deep understanding of both restoration science and the Healthcare environment. Partnering with a restoration contractor experienced in Healthcare facilities ensures that all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry regulations.

At Unlimited Restoration, Inc., we are proud to have a team that specializes in Healthcare property restoration. We understand the unique challenges these environments present, and we are committed to delivering solutions that protect patients, staff, and the integrity of your facility.

When the unexpected occurs at your Healthcare facility, rest assured with Unlimited Restoration – We’re On It! Call our 24/7 Emergency Response Hotline for assistance: 888.327.9664