The Necessity of ICRA Protocols in Healthcare Facilities

Craig Schreiner • November 10, 2021

When it comes to working in the healthcare sector, most of us have heard of HBI, or Hospital-borne Infection. This is a serious issue for both those infected, as well as the healthcare professional tasked with treating these secondary infections acquired. These HBIs can be either bacterial or viral. Most often, these additional infections extend an individual’s hospital stay and can be potentially life-threatening. 


Therefore, there is an effort within our healthcare systems to reduce the risk of such secondary infections acquired while recovering in a hospital. This special process is referred to as Infection Control Risk Assessment, which is better known as ICRA for short. 


Defining ICRA 

ICRA is a multidisciplinary, organizational, and documented process, which used to determine the ICRA permit guidelines. With these guidelines in mind, our team determines where the work is going to be done and what type of work that will be done in the area or space, such as the OR, NICU, etc.


Then, you need to evaluate the work needing to be done, whether it is a mold, sewage or abatement project. Once both the area of the facility and the scope of work have been discussed, a permit is graded and given two different grades:

  • A letter grade, A-D: The letter is the type of work being done, the duration and the amount of dust, debris, noise involved. For instance, “A” would be an office removing a ceiling tile for an inspection, which is very non-invasive. On the other hand, “D” would be a large restoration or mold job requiring multiple crews. This project would take days or weeks and generate large amounts of debris and noise.


  • A number grade, 1-4: The number indicates the area of the hospital and what type of procedure or surgeries are performed there. For example, 1 would be an office area and 4 would be a NICU or post-operation recovery.


The reason I laid this out, is so that we can understand the vital roll pre-ICRA protocols play prior to actually starting the project. There are many departments involved in this process. These include, but are not limited to the safety department, facilities management, department managers, contractors and of course, the hospital or facility’s infection control team. 


Oftentimes, we do not consider the need for this process, because it doesn’t pertain to us. However, we do take this under consideration if there is an outbreak at a healthcare facility we are currently being treated in or will be soon be going to for a procedure, appointment or admittance. Most of the time, infection outbreaks are kept quiet and handled internally with little, if any, public awareness. 


Little Light Bulb Moment

Personally, I have had my own experience with how important ICRA implantation and compliance really is. One time, my father was gravely ill and I had to take him to the ER. Upon our arrival, the healthcare professionals found that he had some very serious conditions and needed further tests and treatments. Unfortunately, I had to leave him there for this to be done. 


Around 3:00 AM, I got a call from him and I immediately expected the worst. He asked me, “Son, are you working in the nuclear medicine department?” I said to him in reply, “Yes, why are you calling me, what’s wrong?” He then said, “your team built an awesome containment here!” This particular phone call was a huge light bulb moment for me!


My Dad knew what I did for a living and knew how containments were supposed to work and function. Honestly, it was at that moment when it confirmed to me how important my work was to the health and safety of patients and staff. Proper ICRA compliance was not only beneficial to my father, but to everyone else who had a loved one in the hospital. 


Our Team Works Hard for You

Here at Guarantee Restoration Services, our healthcare team works in a way that ensures the safety of hospital patients and personnel. Our team is always providing the very best ICRA-implementation throughout the entirety of each restoration project. In the end, this yields successful results and positive feedback from all our healthcare partners. 


Since 1974, GRS has been the leading property damage restoration company along the Gulf Coast. We are there for you 24/7, which is not just a number, it's a GUARANTEE. For emergencies, contact us at 800-349-HELP (4357).



Craig Schreiner serves as our Healthcare Division Manager. He has been with Guarantee Restoration Services since 2019. To connect with him, send him an email.

Why Pre-Loss Planning Matters for Lafayette Properties on the Gulf Coast

By Jeremy Cryer • May 27, 2026
On the Gulf Coast, preparation isn’t optional. It’s simply a part of doing business. From hurricane season to heavy rain events and everything in between, properties in Lafayette face a different level of risk than most. And when something does happen, the difference between a smooth recovery and a stressful situation often comes down to one thing: having a plan in place with the right team. Why Pre-Loss Planning Looks Different in Lafayette Pre-loss planning looks a little different here because the risks are different. It’s not just about knowing where your shutoffs are or having a list of contacts. It’s about understanding how quickly a storm can shift, how water can move through a property, and how to respond when multiple buildings or locations are impacted at once. That kind of preparation requires more than a template. It requires local knowledge. At Guarantee Restoration Services, our Lafayette team builds pre-loss plans with that in mind. We take into account the specific challenges that come with properties in Acadiana, including wind-driven rain, tornado threats, and the potential for widespread damage across an entire area. That allows us to create a plan that is realistic, not just theoretical. The Importance of Having a Clear Path Forward “We’ve seen how quickly things can escalate during a storm event. Having a pre-loss plan in place gives our clients a clear path forward instead of trying to figure it out in the middle of the chaos,” said Craig Rose, Mitigation Manager at our Lafayette Branch. That “clear path forward” is what makes the biggest difference. When a storm hits, response times are everything, but so is access. Roads can be blocked, power can be out, and communication can be limited. A strong pre-loss plan accounts for those variables and ensures that response efforts can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Protecting Operations, Employees, and Tenants It also helps property teams stay focused on what matters most. Instead of trying to coordinate vendors, track down information, or make high-pressure decisions, they can follow a plan that has already been built around their property and their priorities. From a business standpoint, that level of preparation protects more than just the building. It protects operations, tenants, employees, and timelines. Building Trust Before Disaster Strikes “Pre-loss planning is about building trust before there’s ever a problem. Our clients know who to call, what to expect, and how we’re going to support them when something happens,” said Paige Hebert, Business Development Representative in Lafayette. That trust and familiarity matter, especially in a region where large-scale events can impact entire communities at once. You are not just calling a company, you are calling a team that already understands your property, your risks, and your expectations. Be Realistic. Be Ready. Pre-loss planning on the Gulf Coast is not about over-preparing. It is about being realistic and ready. Because when the next storm comes through Lafayette, it is not a matter of if you will need a plan—it is a matter of how well that plan works when it is put to the test. Call us today to schedule your Pre-Loss Planning meeting where 24/7 is not just a number… it’s a GUARANTEE!

How to Respond to Property Damage in the First 24 Hours

By Shawn Folks • May 20, 2026
When a disaster strikes and a loss happens, the clock starts immediately. The first 24 hours after a storm event or a fire loss are the most critical for any property. It is at this time that major decisions need to be made, the damage is either controlled or spreads, and the path to recovery is determined. These decisions are often rushed, unclear, and reactive without a plan in place. This is where having a pre-loss plan makes a measurable and meaningful difference. A pre-loss plan creates a clear starting point for you and your team instead of scrambling to figure out who to call, what steps to take, or how to protect the property. It removes reactive hesitation and replaces it with action to recover. Everyone involved knows their role and understands the process, allowing them to move quickly without second guessing. Speed matters in restoration. Water continues to spread; materials continue to deteriorate, and secondary damage, like mold, can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The faster a response is initiated, the more damage can be contained. Pre-loss planning allows that response to begin immediately, not hours or days later. Other than fast action, it also brings clarity during a very chaotic and challenging moment. Property managers, facility teams, and business owners are not left out in the dark trying to make high-pressure decisions on the spot. Instead, they are following a plan that has already been thoroughly thought through, discussed, and tailored to their specific property’s needs. Communication can become fragmented without a plan. Another advantage to pre-loss planning is coordination. There are several moving parts including emergency services, restoration teams, and insurance carriers. Having a plan streamlines communication ensuring that everyone involved is aligned from the start. At Guarantee Restoration Services, pre-loss planning is designed to support the exact moment the dust settles. It’s not just about preparing documents to sign ahead of time; it’s about setting up our partners and clients to respond with confidence when it matters the most. From established points of contact to documented site conditions and response protocols, everything is built to protect time, reduce damage, and maintain control.  Many people think preparation is about preventing the worst from happening. Rather, it is about being ready when it happens. Because when those first 24 hours hit, you do not want to be figuring things out. You want to be executing a well-formulated, personalized plan for recovery. Call us today...where 24/7 isn’t just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE!

Meet The Team | Brian McCaughan

By Christina Mullins • May 13, 2026
Behind every successful project at Guarantee Restoration Services is a team member dedicated to making a difference. This month, we’re proud to feature Brian McCaughan, Mitigation Manager at our Gulfport Branch. With more than two decades of industry experience and a strong belief in teamwork, Brian continues to lead by example both in and out of the field.
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