CHAIR Updates

Thank You, Barry and Richard, for Leading Meaningful Conversations

Earlier this month, CHAIR board members Barry Hunt and Richard Dixon led engaging Lunch and Learn sessions for the BC IPAC Community of Practice, with a focus on the Environmental Infection Prevention (EIP) framework and CSA standards.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive — so much so that attendees came together to share their appreciation in two GroupGreeting cards. The messages reflect not just gratitude for the information shared, but for the clarity, care, and leadership both Barry and Richard consistently bring to the infection prevention space.

Here’s a look at just a few of the many kind notes received:

“Your presentations were a big success… We are honored to have partnered with you.”

“I have heard you present many times — it is always enlightening.”

“The topics were very informative and engaging.”

We’re grateful for the time, energy, and insight Barry and Richard continue to share with the CHAIR community and beyond.

CHAIR is very excited to announce CSA Z8000:24, Health care facilities, was published in December 2024 with significant new EIP related content including

1. Precautionary Principle
2. Design building to prevent disease transmission between and to occupants
3. Use latest EIP technology
4. Use expert EIP advisors on design team
5. Use automated UV in high-risk areas
6. EIP / UV Experts & Quality Managed System
   1. Qualified Operator
   2. Qualified Commissioner
   3. Qualified Installer
   4. Qualified Trainer
   5. Qualified Service Technician
   6. Quarterly monitoring
   7. Annual Preventive Maintenance
7. Cost benefit analysis of EIP vs manual disinfection including:
8. Likelihood of achieving outcome
9. Treatment costs
10. Informative Annex on UV

CHAIR is very excited to announce CSA Z317.12:25, Cleaning & Disinfecting of Health care facilities will be published in June 2025 with significant EIP content including:

1. EIP expert to inform & recommend to the IPC MDT (Multi-disciplinary team)
2. Precautionary Principle
3. Sink disinfection
4. Mobile UV, AutoUV, Upper Air UV, FarUV
5. Electrolyzed water, Plasma activated water, Ozonated water
6. Non-toxic environmentally-friendly alternative cleaners & disinfectants
7. Aerosols
8. Re-aerosolization
9. Biofilms – wet & dry
10. Respirator use during cleaning
11. Cost benefit analysis of EIP vs manual disinfection including:
    1. Likelihood of achieving outcome
    2. Treatment costs

Exciting News from CHAIR! ✨

We’re thrilled to share that two CHAIR board members recently met with Chemical Engineering Professors at the University of Waterloo to explore future collaborations! The focus? How CHAIR can contribute to their engineering program by sharing our extensive research on Engineered Infection Prevention strategies! 

Over the years, CHAIR has conducted significant research on the efficacy, specifications, and usage of innovative infection prevention products such as antimicrobial copper, ultraviolet light in the C wavelength, ozonated water, and more. 

For example, our 2.5-year research project used antimicrobial copper products from three different companies installed on transit vehicles (subway trains and buses) with Vancouver Transit and Toronto Transit Commission. This study showed very high antimicrobial and virus efficacy, with valuable lessons learned about the application, locations, wearability, and standard cleaning & disinfection practices of the facilities staff. 

Bus and subway engineers were involved in the planning, design, and testing setups, while clinical staff conducted routine planning and testing. Laboratory staff at Vancouver Coastal Health and North York Hospital handled the clinical analysis and reporting. What makes this project unique is that, unlike typical research conducted in stationary healthcare or community facilities, these sample sites were in constant motion throughout the city. And yes—antimicrobial copper makes transit ridership safer for the public.

Next, we will meet with the Engineering Entrepreneur departments at both the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto to continue these exciting conversations. 

By bringing real-world applications and learnings to academic settings, we aim to enhance students' understanding of how these cutting-edge technologies help reduce infections and improve public health. ✨

Explore our Summer 2024 Newsletter 

CHAIR Coalition has been at the forefront of infection prevention solutions for over a decade, and our work is more crucial than ever. 

In our latest newsletter, we dive deep into:

- Innovative Solutions: From safe sink and drain designs to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) water technology that revolutionizes disinfection.

- Health Canada Collaboration: Simplifying UV equipment regulations to ensure safe and effective disinfection.

- CSA Standards: Leading the renewal of Canada's national standard for cleaning and disinfection in healthcare.

Summer 2024 Newsletter

CSA Comments made by Barry Hunt

Discover how Barry Hunt, a leading voice in healthcare, is shaping patient-centered standards for safer, more efficient environments. His insights are a must-read for those in healthcare design and operation. Open the PDF to explore his valuable contributions.

Barry Hunt's Contributions

Explore our Fall 2023 Newsletter 

Discover the latest updates and insights on infection reduction and community safety in our Fall Newsletter.

Fall 2023 Newsletter