High Rainfall and Flooding Are Prime Examples of Many Contingencies Proactively Project Managed by Rebilt
The impact of flooding on properties, roads, businesses and public utilities has been devastating at the time of writing this article, to say the least. Our home television screens reveal submerged towns in NSW and Queensland. As a result thousands of insurance claims have been generated.
When it comes to renovation and construction sites, some forethought and planning are vital to resist the many risks of injury and illness to homeowners, neighbours and the trade team who manage them.
Fore-planning the work diminishes impacts on drainage, landscaping and soil erosion, building materials and neighbouring sites. It reduces project timelines and the workload size of ongoing clean-ups, demolition and refurbishment.
Says Neil Walker, Operations Director for Rebilt “in checking rainfall forecasts ahead of schedule for a major renovation in the Hills area, I facilitated two extra-large tarps to cover much of the working area. In hindsight we’ve saved at least four weeks of critical construction time and our client is able to plan their move-in more accurately and far quicker — which is highly desired.”
Consultation with other stakeholders proves essential such as the structural Engineer, site supervisor, project manager, leading hand, suppliers and key trades.
Anticipated hazards are sometimes identified from site meetings given that the safety of workers and homeowners are #1 priority. Assessment of these hazards produce no or the lowest chance of health and safety issues.
These may arise out high, unseasonable rains, pooling waters, storms and high winds. These may cause property damages, movement of unsecured on-site materials, tree or branch felling, the breaking of glass including doors and windows, the quick onset of mould and potential diffusion of contaminants.
Safe work method statements [SWMS] are essential where there is high risk construction work. A first aid kit is made available for all contractors.
Projects require inductions about site matters. Dangers, safety precautions, control measures and the provisions of SWMS and an emergency plan are carried out.
Workers are to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment [PPE.] Licences checked and up-to-date insurances confirmed. A traffic management plan may be implemented for the manoeuvring of vehicles and safe delivery of materials.
Other potential hazards or contingencies may include the identification of aged or failing soldered joints within existing plumbing, the existence of concrete cancer in walls, balconies or floors, unstable structures, unstable ground, sub-standard, aged and non-compliant works, failing subfloor foundations, footings and piers, contaminated sewer leaks, airborne mould spores, dangerous wildlife resident in the property, the evidence of asbestos, falling objects, the vicinity of underground services i.e. electrical, gas or water.
The high value of a proactive project management approach — of having a fit-for- purpose team and collaborative communications – all serve to create a positive compound effect for fuss-free project completions.
Non-compliant brick piers are renewed to meet NCC code.
Two extra large tarps were installed ahead of forecasted heavy rainfall saving four weeks of project delay.
