Here we explain how:
HEALTH AND SAFETY
This is our number one consideration. All our staff and supply chain partners are committed to the LST ‘Safety in Focus’ programme. Everything we do is looked at with a clear safety lens and absolute clarity in this area is the driver behind all our site activities.
PLANNING
Planning for construction on operational sites begins before a contract has been awarded. During the tender stage, we consider what measures may be required to deliver the work as efficiently as possible based on the potential constraints. This forms the basis of a logistics plan comprising suggestions as to how we will set the site up and manage it accordingly.
COMMUNICATION
Once the work has been secured, communication with the building users is key and that needs to start at least a month before the project begins. Appointing a dedicated point of contact at the site, whether that’s a school or hospital, is advisable as this can make the communication process more efficient.
We always have to establish the needs of the building users, such as room usage and access, but equally, they will need to know ours, so we can work together to find solutions that meet the needs of both parties.
Time spent planning from the outset and in partnership with a client will help improve efficiencies further down the line and ensure the programme stays on track.
DELIVERY
Often, the logistics plan will need to evolve to accommodate all requirements, but there are certain measures which are replicated across most sites at the delivery stage.
In schools for example, segregation is a priority to avoid students and contractors sharing the same walkways. Clear signage and hoardings can assist with this but in some cases, a cross over area can’t be avoided, especially on new build sites, so a banksman will be required to control vehicle movements.
For hospitals, refurbishment work will sometimes take place through the night to minimise noise and disruption. It is also essential to prevent dust from migrating out of the work area, including the use of a very simple but important piece of equipment – an adhesive mat which traps and removes dust and debris from the foot and wheeled traffic.
BESPOKE SOLUTIONS
For more challenging operational sites, bespoke solutions are often required. For example, at St George’s School, next to Windsor Castle, where we were responsible for demolition and reconstruction of science labs, a lot of vehicle movements were required, but there wasn’t a suitable space for our site set up. To overcome this, we set up scaffolding to accommodate and elevate all construction equipment, including our site office.
On other school projects, we have worked with adjacent landowners to find alternative routes into site and put in temporary roads to avoid using the same access as students.
Adding to the challenges at a hospital site, where we’re currently delivering a new extension, our team has had to co-ordinate crane movements with the Air Ambulance.
Regardless of the potential difficulties or hurdles these types of projects pose, there is always a solution. With the right planning, communication and expertise, new builds and refurbishments can be delivered highly effectively in operational sites meeting the needs of all parties.
For further information or advice on construction projects for live sites, please contact our commercial director, Robert Tuffin.
