In March of 2022, CSA Group released the 5th edition of CSA Z317.13, Infection control during construction, renovation, and maintenance of health care facilities in English. This important standard has continued its growth through the advancement of technologies and techniques that are in use throughout Canada. The French version is expected to follow later this year.

There are many changes in the 2022 edition of the standard including changes to performance leak testing requirements of both HEPA filtered vacuums and construction air handling units (CAHUs). There has been additional information added regarding planning and implementing plumbing system shutdowns in existing buildings and maintaining plumbing system quality for new construction. There are also new requirements for accessing ceiling spaces in occupied spaces when performing maintenance tasks. One area of notable change to the standard has been a complete reorganization of the clause referencing new construction which will make the many new requirements contained in this section easier to locate.

A recent research project at the CSA Group has resulted in the release of a report entitled Deployment of Health Care Facility Digital Infrastructure in Canada. Under the guidance of a CSA Advisory Panel, the research was conducted by H.H. Angus & Associates Ltd. The report looks at the current landscape of digital infrastructure in healthcare in Canada, provides a gap analysis of the current situation and a series of recommendations for anybody embarking on a project with a digital component. It should prove to be a valuable resource for planners, designers, facilities managers and information technology providers as they work to improve these vital systems in our healthcare buildings. The report is available for download at https://www.csagroup.org/article/research/deployment-of-health-care-facility-digital-infrastructure-in-canada/

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) has made a selection of relevant standards available for no-fee view access through the online platform at the following link: COVID-19 Response Standards and Handbooks / Normes pour faire face au COVID-19

The following standards are currently included:

COVID-19: From the Facilities Management Front Lines - questions, possible solutions and lots to think about

Part 5: Recorded video February 2, 2021

Part 4 Recorded Video September 23, 2020

Part 3 Recorded Video May 13, 2020

Part 2 Recorded Video April 29, 2020

Part 1 Recorded Video April 15, 2020