What is ICRA 2.0 and Why It Matters for Healthcare Construction

At TST Construction, we understand that building in occupied healthcare environments comes with unique challenges—and significant responsibilities. One of the most important tools we use to ensure patient safety and minimize risk during construction is the Infection Control Risk Assessment, or ICRA. With the recent release of ICRA 2.0, healthcare construction professionals now have a more robust, standardized approach to managing infection control in healthcare settings.

But what exactly is ICRA 2.0, and why should healthcare facility managers, administrators, and construction partners care? Let’s break it down.

What is ICRA?

ICRA is a process developed by the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) that helps construction teams assess and manage the risk of infection during renovation, maintenance, or new construction in healthcare environments.

It’s especially critical in active medical facilities—like hospitals, outpatient clinics, or surgical centers—where dust, airborne contaminants, and noise can negatively impact vulnerable patients.

The goal of ICRA is to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by implementing temporary protective measures—such as barriers, HEPA filtration, negative air pressure, and work zone containment—based on the level of risk.

What’s New in ICRA 2.0?

ICRA 2.0, released by ASHE in 2020, is a comprehensive update that modernizes and standardizes the risk assessment process for today’s complex healthcare environments. Key improvements include:

• Expanded Risk Matrices: A more detailed and nuanced classification system based on activity type, location, and patient risk.
• Clearer Guidance: Step-by-step recommendations for controls based on project scope and patient population.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Encourages early and ongoing communication between contractors, facility managers, and infection prevention teams.
• Tool Integration: Designed to integrate with electronic documentation and digital planning tools.

This update is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a culture of safety and accountability on healthcare job sites.

Why ICRA 2.0 Matters for Your Healthcare Facility

Whether you’re renovating a single patient room or building an entirely new wing, infection control can’t be an afterthought. Here’s why ICRA 2.0 is essential for healthcare construction:

• Protects Patients and Staff: ICRA 2.0 helps ensure the safety of immunocompromised patients and frontline workers by reducing exposure to dangerous particles and pathogens.
• Supports Accreditation and Compliance: Following ICRA protocols demonstrates your commitment to industry best practices—and helps with regulatory compliance.
• Reduces Downtime and Delays: When infection control is proactively planned, construction schedules are more predictable and less likely to cause disruptions to clinical operations.
• Minimizes Risk of Costly Outbreaks: Poor infection control can result in serious consequences, from patient infections to project shutdowns and legal exposure.

TST Construction’s Commitment to ICRA 2.0

At TST Construction, we don’t just understand ICRA—we live it. Our team is trained in ICRA 2.0 best practices, and we specialize in phased, occupied healthcare construction that prioritizes patient safety, clinical continuity, and infection control from day one.

We work hand-in-hand with infection prevention teams, facilities staff, and administrators to implement and maintain ICRA containment zones, monitor air quality, and adapt to changing conditions without compromising care delivery.

Ready to Build Safe, Smart, and Compliant Healthcare Spaces?

Whether you're upgrading a nurse station, renovating an ICU, or adding capacity to your medical facility, TST Construction brings the experience, training, and proactive mindset you need for a successful, safe build.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next healthcare construction project with confidence—and compliance.