Planning for work in live environments
Northrop has over 25 years’ experience working in live environments – a scenario common in projects involving upgrades to such facilities as Clubs, Pubs, Retail, and Hospitals. Among the many complexities and details to consider are the following:
- Early planning (including appointment of Builder) and agreement among stakeholders is crucial.
- Review documentation and understand current operations – essential services, required access areas and loading zones.
- Safety is paramount. Collaborate with Project Manager and Builder regarding workcover laws, onsite safety, materials handling, construction access, carnage, etc.
- Have a Road Map. Agree on construction methodology and works staging – securing buy-in from all stakeholders.
- Consider emergencies and have plans for fire egress and evacuation procedures.
- Plan for location of temporary hoardings and construction zone.
- A Building Services Strategy ensures that essential services are maintained and impact to occupants is limited.
- Prepare for latent conditions – the unexpected. Identifying red flags and unknown areas, making allowances early, being responsive, and planning can avoid slowing down the project.
- Look for opportunities to accelerate the program through value engineering, to save time and money.
- Discuss longer term aspirations – planning and building residual capacity can mean less disruption to the live environment next time.
- Build in flexibility. Clubs undergo alterations on a cycle – allowances and forward-planning make sense.
A successful project depends on all – engineer, architect, builder, and client.
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