FAQ
Dust containment is the process of physically isolating a construction or renovation zone from the rest of a building using barrier walls, sealed entry points, and HEPA negative air machines that maintain continuous negative pressure. This prevents fine construction dust — which is invisible to the naked eye — from travelling through HVAC systems, under doors, and into occupied areas where people are living or working.
You need it because construction dust is not just a nuisance. Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the lungs and causes long-term health damage. In healthcare environments it can cause life-threatening infections in vulnerable patients. In commercial buildings it creates health risks, complaints, and legal liability for building owners and main contractors.
You need it because construction dust is not just a nuisance. Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the lungs and causes long-term health damage. In healthcare environments it can cause life-threatening infections in vulnerable patients. In commercial buildings it creates health risks, complaints, and legal liability for building owners and main contractors.
A general builder will typically hang plastic sheeting with tape and call it containment. There is no negative pressure, no monitoring, no air quality testing, and no documentation. If something goes wrong — dust escapes, a patient gets sick, or a client makes a complaint — there is no evidence of what was or was not done.
Enviro Shield uses clinical grade HEPA equipment, ICRA-certified protocols, real-time pressure differential monitoring, and full written documentation on every job — including a signed clearance certificate before barriers are removed. We can prove what we did and prove it worked.
Enviro Shield uses clinical grade HEPA equipment, ICRA-certified protocols, real-time pressure differential monitoring, and full written documentation on every job — including a signed clearance certificate before barriers are removed. We can prove what we did and prove it worked.
We work on all sizes — from a single-room commercial fit-out to a multi-week hospital ward renovation. Our minimum engagement is a site assessment and written quote, which is always free. The same standard of care, equipment, and documentation applies regardless of job size.
We respond to all enquiries within 4 hours during business hours. For urgent situations — particularly water damage events — call us directly on 0204 456 007. We aim to be on site within 2 to 4 hours for urgent callouts across Auckland.
We are based in Auckland and currently operate across Auckland and the Waikato. For larger projects we are available anywhere in New Zealand — contact us to discuss your location and we will confirm availability.
Yes. Enviro Shield holds public liability insurance of $2 million minimum — with higher coverage available for healthcare and large commercial projects. A current Certificate of Currency is available on request and is provided with every written quote.
Services FAQ
ICRA stands for Infection Control Risk Assessment. It is an internationally recognised framework used in healthcare construction to assess the risk that construction works pose to patients and building occupants, and to specify the correct containment measures for that risk level.
ICRA containment is required — not optional — for any construction or renovation work in or adjacent to a live healthcare environment including hospitals, clinics, aged-care facilities, and retirement villages. Te Whatu Ora and all private hospital operators in New Zealand require contractors to hold ICRA certification and follow ICRA protocols. If you are working in a healthcare environment and your contractor does not hold ICRA certification — you are exposed.
ICRA containment is required — not optional — for any construction or renovation work in or adjacent to a live healthcare environment including hospitals, clinics, aged-care facilities, and retirement villages. Te Whatu Ora and all private hospital operators in New Zealand require contractors to hold ICRA certification and follow ICRA protocols. If you are working in a healthcare environment and your contractor does not hold ICRA certification — you are exposed.
The ICRA class is determined by the type of construction work and the vulnerability of the patients or occupants nearby. Class I covers minor works like inspections with minimal dust. Class II covers small maintenance works with limited dust. Class III covers larger renovation and construction works with significant dust generation. Class IV is the highest risk — major demolition or construction near highly vulnerable patients such as those in oncology or intensive care.
Enviro Shield conducts a formal ICRA risk assessment before every healthcare job and documents the risk class in writing. The containment system is then designed to meet the requirements of that class — from a basic barrier curtain for Class I through to a full AnteRoom with continuous pressure monitoring for Class IV.
Enviro Shield conducts a formal ICRA risk assessment before every healthcare job and documents the risk class in writing. The containment system is then designed to meet the requirements of that class — from a basic barrier curtain for Class I through to a full AnteRoom with continuous pressure monitoring for Class IV.
Negative pressure means the air pressure inside the containment zone is lower than the air pressure outside it. This means air flows into the zone — not out of it — so dust and particles cannot escape into adjacent occupied areas.
We verify and monitor negative pressure using a calibrated digital pressure differential gauge. Acceptable negative pressure is a minimum of minus 2.5 Pascals for standard commercial jobs and minus 5 Pascals or greater for ICRA healthcare environments. We record pressure readings in a written daily log — so you have documented proof that negative pressure was maintained throughout the project.
We verify and monitor negative pressure using a calibrated digital pressure differential gauge. Acceptable negative pressure is a minimum of minus 2.5 Pascals for standard commercial jobs and minus 5 Pascals or greater for ICRA healthcare environments. We record pressure readings in a written daily log — so you have documented proof that negative pressure was maintained throughout the project.
A clearance certificate is a written document signed by an Enviro Shield technician confirming that a final air quality particle count test has been conducted, that particle counts have returned to pre-works baseline levels or below, and that it is safe to remove the containment barriers and reoccupy the space.
For healthcare environments a clearance certificate is mandatory — barriers must never be removed without one. For commercial jobs it is strongly recommended because it gives the building owner, main contractor, and facility manager documented proof that the air quality was verified safe before reoccupation. It is also your protection if anyone raises a complaint about dust exposure after the job is complete.
For healthcare environments a clearance certificate is mandatory — barriers must never be removed without one. For commercial jobs it is strongly recommended because it gives the building owner, main contractor, and facility manager documented proof that the air quality was verified safe before reoccupation. It is also your protection if anyone raises a complaint about dust exposure after the job is complete.
Yes. Our Environmental Protection service covers floor protection boards, wall and equipment protection film, furniture wrapping, and the isolation of sensitive areas including server rooms, electrical panels, and reception desks. This service is often combined with dust containment on the same job — protecting both the air and the surfaces and fixtures in the building simultaneously.
Yes. Our Moisture and Water Damage Drying service provides rapid water extraction, commercial dehumidifier setup, full moisture mapping, structural drying, and daily monitoring with written reports. We respond to water damage callouts within 2 to 4 hours across Auckland. We work on commercial offices, body corporates, strata buildings, hotels, and aged-care facilities. We do not handle sewage-contaminated water events — Category 3 water damage requires a specialist remediation company.
Equipment Rental FAQ
Any business or contractor can hire equipment from us. We hire to general contractors, builders, plumbers, restoration companies, property managers, body corporates, and facility management companies. We require proof of current public liability insurance of at least $1 million before any equipment is released.
No. When we deliver equipment we walk your team through correct setup, positioning, and operation. For HEPA machines and containment systems, correct placement makes the difference between equipment that works and equipment that looks like it works. We make sure yours works before we leave.
Call us immediately on 0204 456 007. Do not attempt any repairs yourself. We will attend site within 24 hours to repair or replace the equipment. If the fault is a manufacturing or mechanical issue, there is no additional charge. If the fault is caused by misuse or damage by the hirer, repair costs will be discussed before any deduction from the bond.
Yes — just call us before your agreed return date and we will extend the hire and issue an updated invoice for the additional period. We ask for at least 24 hours notice so we can confirm the equipment is not already booked for another job.
Yes. For hires of 4 weeks or more, or for 3 or more machines at the same time, contact us for a discounted rate. We are happy to discuss long term hire arrangements for large projects or contractors who need equipment on an ongoing basis.
Yes. Equipment can be collected from our Auckland depot by arrangement. Call us to confirm availability and arrange a collection time. No delivery fee applies for self-collection. You will need a vehicle large enough to transport the equipment safely — HEPA machines must travel upright.
Healthcare & Compliance FAQ
Yes — and we actively encourage it. We introduce ourselves to the Infection Prevention and Control team or Infection Control Nurse Specialist at every healthcare facility we work in. We understand infection control requirements and clinical environments from a healthcare background. Working directly with the IPC team means any concerns are dealt with immediately rather than escalating into a complaint.
At the end of every ICRA healthcare job we provide a complete compliance documentation package including the original ICRA risk assessment, daily pressure differential logs for the full duration of the job, daily inspection reports, a photographic site diary, and a signed ICRA clearance certificate countersigned before any barrier removal. This package goes into the facility's project file and satisfies Te Whatu Ora and private hospital documentation requirements.
Yes. All Enviro Shield field staff hold ICRA Construction Certificates, current First Aid certificates, Site Safe Passports, and have completed asbestos awareness training. Before any healthcare job, all staff are briefed on the specific facility's infection control policies and entry and exit protocols. We treat every healthcare environment as a live clinical space — because it is.
We welcome it. We proactively invite infection control nurses and facility managers to inspect our setups — it builds trust and means any issues are identified and resolved immediately. If an IPC team member wants to inspect, call us and we will arrange a time. We have nothing to hide and everything to gain from that relationship.
Yes. Enviro Shield operates in full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and WorkSafe NZ guidelines for airborne hazards on construction sites including fine particulate matter and crystalline silica dust. We maintain a documented health and safety management system, conduct site-specific risk assessments on every job, and carry all required insurance and certifications.
Our staff hold asbestos awareness training as required under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. If asbestos-containing materials are identified or suspected on a site, we will alert the principal contractor and building owner immediately. Asbestos removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist — we do not perform asbestos removal. However, we can provide containment and negative pressure systems to support licensed asbestos removal contractors on their jobs.