Manual: Critical Access Hospital
Chapter: Environment of Care EC
Topic: ILSM - Temporary Construction Barriers

Do plastic sheets constitute acceptable temporary barriers in and around construction areas?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only

Unrated flammable plastic sheets (such as Visqueen), do not constitute acceptable temporary barriers. Even though flammable plastic sheets taped across an opening may form a dust seal, they are incapable of controlling fire. The only thing they can do is keep air and particulate from moving to unwanted locations. Therefore, they are good for infection control, and on a limited basis, for resisting smoke passage caused by a fire, friction or welding/brazing in the construction zone. But these sheet types do nothing to stop the fire itself.  

The Joint Commission standards require that temporary construction partitions be smoke tight and built of noncombustible or limited combustible materials (sheet rock, gypsum board) that will not contribute to the development or spread of fire." Ensure that evidence of "limited combustibility" can be furnished if questioned during survey or other inspection.

Reference EC.02.06.05 EP3  
Last updated on June 12, 2023 with update notes of: Editorial changes only
First Published Date: April 11, 2016