Let’s Talk Ventilation, AIIRs, Mold, and Construction—What Every IP Needs to Know
- Missy Travis MSN RN CIC FAPIC
- Aug 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Hello IP Community,
Infection Prevention never stands still—and neither should we! Whether you’re rounding on patient units, planning a renovation, or tackling mold concerns, your daily work keeps patients, residents, and staff safer.
In this edition of IP Monthly Digest, I’m sharing practical reminders and action steps for four key topics that should be on every IP’s radar. Let’s dive in!
1️⃣ Ventilation: The Unsung Hero of Infection Prevention
Ventilation might not be the flashiest topic, but effective airflow is crucial for reducing airborne pathogens in healthcare settings. If you don't know where to start in assessing your current system, here are some key points.
✅ Connect with Your Facilities Manager – Make them your go-to resource. They are the expert on the building.
✅ Assess Your Ventilation Systems – Ensure they are meeting current standards. Your Facilities Manager should be able to assist you with this assessment
✅ Integrate Checks into EOC Rounds – Observe air flow in negative and positive pressure rooms. This can be a quick check with a piece of tissue paper.
✅ Train Staff – Help your teams understand why airflow matters.
You don’t have to be the HVAC expert—just know the right questions to ask and build strong partnerships with the people who are!
2️⃣ AIIRs: Your Best Friend in an Outbreak
Negative pressure rooms—now called Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms (AIIRs)—are essential tools for containing airborne pathogens. But they only work when they’re properly maintained. Similar to the overall ventilation system, your facilities manager is the expert here.
Key questions to ask:
🔍 Who verifies negative pressure?
🔧 How often is equipment serviced, and by whom?
📚 Do staff know what to do if alarms go off? Side Note: I have been surprised how many do not know what to do!
🌬 Is the exhaust labeled, and does it pose any risk to others?
If you don’t have an AIIR, portable HEPA units can help temporarily. And don’t forget to mask patients or residents if they need to be transported outside of the area with negative pressure!
3️⃣ Mold: The Four-Letter Word No IP Wants to Hear
When moisture creeps in, mold can become a serious health and compliance issue. Small leaks can snowball fast—especially in high-humidity areas.
Proactive mold prevention tips:
💧 Control indoor humidity—use dehumidifiers when needed.
🌬 Ensure proper HVAC function and exhaust fans.
🚿 Fix leaks immediately.
🧼 Clean damp areas and high-touch surfaces regularly.
🧱 Use mold-resistant materials where possible.
📚 Train staff to report mold concerns early.
🗂 Add mold checks to your EOC rounds for consistency.
4️⃣ Construction & Renovations: Don’t Start Without an ICRA
Renovations and construction projects are often necessary for better care delivery—but they can also open the door to infection risks. One of the most important tools you have is the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA).
✔️ Plan Early: Partner with facilities and construction leads before work starts. Make sure that you have established a relationship so they know to include you at the beginning.
✔️ Contain Dust: Use barriers and negative air pressure to prevent contamination.
✔️ Educate Crews: Train construction staff and internal teams on your infection control protocols. Remember, these people may not be familiar with the healthcare environment so don't assume that they know the normal protocols.
✔️ Monitor Constantly: Regularly inspect work zones for breaches or lapses.
Remember—your IP perspective is critical during projects. Stay visible and speak up!
💡 Final Thoughts
From ventilation to mold and construction planning, these foundational topics remind us that infection prevention is truly everyone’s job—but it starts with your leadership and your voice. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep asking the right questions. Remember, you don't have to know everything, but you should know where to look and who to ask. Relationships are key!
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About IP&C Consulting At IP&C Consulting, I help healthcare organizations and infection preventionists strengthen their programs through consulting, education, and coaching. Learn more about my services here.
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