Summary
When installing or replacing kitchen equipment in a healthcare setting like a hospital or VA, patient safety isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s also about controlling infection and managing construction risks. That’s where Pre-Construction Risk Assessments (PCRA) and Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA) come in. These processes ensure that new or upgraded kitchen equipment is installed safely, without introducing hazards that could impact patient health.
What Are PCRA and ICRA?
Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA)
A PCRA is a formal evaluation done before any construction or renovation work begins in a healthcare facility. It identifies potential risks to patients, staff, and operations from the planned work—whether it’s a full remodel or installing a single piece of equipment. In a kitchen setting, this means evaluating impacts like noise, dust, debris, and utility shut-downs that could affect food preparation and delivery.
Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
An ICRA is a systematic process to prevent the spread of infection during construction activities. Even in a kitchen area, construction dust can carry harmful microorganisms (like mold spores) that pose risks to immunocompromised patients. An ICRA outlines the protective measures—such as sealing off work areas, using negative air machines, or scheduling work after hours—to reduce those risks.
Why They Matter in Healthcare Kitchens
1. Protecting Patients and Staff
Hospitals and VA facilities care for vulnerable populations. Any airborne particles or contaminants from construction could compromise patient safety—especially if they enter food service areas.
2. Maintaining Compliance
Regulatory bodies, including The Joint Commission, require that PCRA and ICRA processes are completed for construction activities in healthcare facilities. Skipping these steps can result in citations, fines, or project shutdowns.
3. Preventing Disruptions
Installing new kitchen equipment may require shutting down utilities, cutting into walls, or removing old units. PCRA and ICRA planning ensures these activities are done in a way that minimizes service disruption.
4. Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Identifying risks early prevents unexpected problems—like discovering asbestos, encountering pest control issues, or having to redo work due to non-compliance.
When You Need a PCRA and ICRA in a Kitchen Project
• Installing New Equipment – Ovens, dishwashers, refrigeration units, or ventilation systems.
• Replacing Old Equipment – Especially if it involves removing walls, floors, or ceilings.
• Modifying Utilities – Plumbing, electrical, gas, or ventilation changes.
• Expanding Kitchen Space – Adding a prep area, dishroom, or storage.
Key Steps in the PCRA & ICRA Process
1. Assessment – Evaluate the type of work, location, and patient population at risk.
2. Classification – Assign a risk level that determines required protective measures.
3. Containment – Install barriers, set up negative air systems, and manage worker entry/exit.
4. Monitoring – Conduct daily inspections to ensure measures are maintained.
5. Closeout – Verify the work area is clean, safe, and ready for food production.
Checklist: Do You Need a PCRA and ICRA?
✅ Is the work in or near a food prep or service area?
✅ Will utilities or ventilation be affected?
✅ Could dust, debris, or noise impact patient care areas?
✅ Will the work require opening walls, ceilings, or floors?
✅ Is there any risk of contamination to food or equipment?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need a PCRA and ICRA before starting.
Bottom line:
Replacing or installing new kitchen equipment in a healthcare facility isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a patient safety issue. By completing a PCRA and ICRA, you’re protecting patients, staff, and your facility’s compliance record while ensuring the kitchen stays operational and safe.
At Aldevra, we understand the unique challenges of working in healthcare environments. Our experienced team is trained in PCRA and ICRA procedures and can manage your kitchen equipment installation from start to finish—safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations
📞 Call us at (269) 350-1337
📧 Email us at sales@aldevra.com
🌐 Visit www.aldevra.com to learn more or request a consultation.
FAQ: PCRA & ICRA for Hospital and VA Kitchen Equipment Projects
1. What is the difference between PCRA and ICRA?
A PCRA (Pre-Construction Risk Assessment) identifies operational risks—noise, dust, debris, utility shutdowns—before any work begins. An ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) focuses specifically on preventing infection risks, such as airborne contaminants and mold spores, during construction or installation activities.
2. Do kitchen projects really require PCRA and ICRA?
Yes. Even though kitchen areas don’t house patients, they support patient care. Dust, debris, and ventilation changes in a kitchen can affect food safety, air quality, and cross-contamination risk in nearby patient zones.
3. Who requires PCRA and ICRA in healthcare facilities?
The Joint Commission, VA standards, and most hospital infection-control departments require PCRA/ICRA assessments for any construction or equipment changes that could impact patient care, utilities, or environmental safety.
4. Does replacing just one piece of equipment still require these assessments?
Often yes. Even swapping a refrigerator or oven may involve electrical changes, moving walls, opening ceilings, or disconnecting ventilation. Any activity that disturbs the building or affects air movement triggers PCRA/ICRA requirements.
5. What are the biggest risks during kitchen equipment installation?
Common risks include airborne dust and mold, utility shutdowns affecting other departments, pest activity in exposed spaces, noise affecting sensitive units, and uncontained work zones that cause cross-contamination.
6. What protective measures are typically used during an ICRA?
Depending on the risk level, measures can include sealed barriers, HEPA filtration, negative air machines, dedicated work paths, after-hours scheduling, debris control, and daily inspections.
7. How long does a PCRA/ICRA approval take?
It varies by facility, but most hospitals and VA sites require coordination with facilities management, infection control, safety officers, and engineering. Starting early prevents delays and keeps installation timelines on track.
8. Who completes the PCRA/ICCRA—Aldevra or the hospital?
The hospital or VA sets the requirements, but Aldevra works directly with their teams to follow the correct process, document the work, and ensure all protective measures and classifications are met.
9. What happens if a project moves forward without PCRA or ICRA?
Facilities can receive citations, fail inspections, or be forced to stop the project. In some cases, work must be redone—leading to additional cost, downtime, and safety risks.
10. How does Aldevra support PCRA/ICRA compliance?
We coordinate with facility leadership, complete required documentation, follow infection-control protocols, install containment measures, and manage the project so your kitchen upgrade stays compliant, safe, and uninterrupted.
