Containment Basics to Prevent Cross-Contamination on Restoration Job Sites

A simple daily checklist helps protect your team, occupants, and your projects integrity

This week’s Technical Tip focuses on safety risks on job sites involving containment, its integrity, and cross-contamination prevention. Barry Rice, CSP, of Signal Restoration, takes it back to the basics, reminding contractors why containment exists in the first place, to isolate hazards and protect your team and the occupants.

From checking that tape is holding, zippers are fully closed, and negative air pressure, to ensuring equipment hasn’t been unplugged overnight, Barry shares that even small lapses can compromise an entire containment system.

Daily containment inspections should be conducted. Barry recommends a simple, repeatable checklist that technicians can complete and submit each day. As projects increase in complexity, Barry shares important considerations such as flame‑resistant poly, local fire or municipal requirements, and visibility or inspection window specifications seen in regulated environments.

If you see something, say something. Ignoring a problem or “working around it” not only increases risk but almost guarantees it will be noticed at the worst possible time by a client, adjuster, or inspector.

Be sure to follow along all month as we continue taking safety back to the basics. We’ll see you on next week’s Technical Tip Tuesday.

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Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine, with 10 years of experience in marketing and communications in the restoration and cleaning industry. She leads the editorial strategy for R&R and The Experience Events, creating content that informs and connects industry professionals.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She serves as Co-Chair on the RIA’s Marketing Committee.

Kayla is a Microbial Warrior®, a Certified Forensic Operator® and a High Risk/ High Level Decontamination Specialist™. Kayla is passionate about elevating the industry, is a food lover, enjoys spending time with her family, and embracing the outdoors.