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23 Oct 2009
Scope of Works
The works included the removal and disposal of a large Super Six asbestos roof, large asbestos industrial box gutters, replacement with a new metal Colorbond Ultra roof, new fascias, 306 stainless steel flashings, gutters and downpipes. New sarking and galvanised steel safety mesh was installed. Additional work was required both by the client and to make elements of the building compliant with the BCA. Structural brick and steel works were an essential addition to the project and the client approved additional external painting works, glazing and metal corrosion related work. Also, the building was of Heritage significance so it was important that work progressed under close monitoring and supervision from the site manager and with sensitivity.
All removed materials were required to be reinstated with new materials conforming to the project specification and relevant Australian Standards.
Live Substation Safety
As we were to be working on a live substation, works were required to be executed in the safest possible manner, hence Murphy’s implemented many controls to eliminate all risks associated with the works. Murphy’s project, safety and site manager all consulted together to produce a Project Safety Management Plan (PSMP) which was implemented for the works.
The most challenging aspect of the project was to safely protect/isolate the works from the surrounding environment of the works which includes for the internal switchgear inside the building and the large live transformers to the external areas of the building.
Birdcage scaffolding was constructed above polycarbonate screening for the protection of the live internal switchgear. This internal birdcage scaffolding was constructed to ensure it would support the timber decking and also allow the client to have access to the internal switchgear for the duration of the project. To construct such a scaffolding system we used a tube and fit scaffolding system.
An access tower was constructed and safety permitter handrails fixed to the edges of the building to ensure safe access and working area was established and maintained for all persons during the works.
Murphy’s set-up area was minimal due to the fact that the site is a live station for Energy Australia and was required to be operational at all times. Murphy’s set-up a site office and storage shed on site and utilised amenities on site. Constant clear communication between Murphy’s on-site manager and Energy Australia personnel was maintained and works programmed to client satisfaction.
Asbestos
All Asbestos removal works were monitored and executed in accordance with relevant legislation and Codes of Practice. Air-monitoring was established each day of the Asbestos removal and decontamination works, and we attained appropriate clearance certificates to verify compliant removal works.
Protection from Rain and Dust
As part of the requirements of the project works, it was of paramount importance that the internal switchgear was protected from natural elements at all times during the works – protected from rain, dust etc. To ensure the risk of rain entering the building was eliminated the works were programmed so that all existing asbestos roofing removed, decontaminated, safety wire mesh and insulation laid and the new roof sheeting reinstated in that same working day. Murphy’s removed and reinstated the roof sheeting in 2.8m sections at a time in order to eliminate the risk of water ingress. Staging and programming the works in this manner was a slow and tedious process for Murphy’s, but it ensured Energy Australia internal switchgear equipment was protected at all times and eliminated the risk of them being damaged.
Inspection and Testing
For all works on the project Murphy’s management developed Inspection Test Plans (ITP’s). These procedural documents were issued to and implemented by our site manager to ensure all works completed were in accordance with the project specification and relevant Australian Standards.
Project Summary
Benefits offered to Client during Project Works:-
- Transformer yard operations as normal for Energy Australia through effective communication from Murphy’s both on and off site
- No OHS and/or Environmental issues due to good development and implementation of controls as outlined in the Project Safety Management Plan (PSMP)
- Project delivered on initial proposed date, even with the additional works carried out, with allocation of additional resources and planning of works appropriately
- Additional works including structural brickwork, structural steel works and steel guttering diagnosed and executed by Murphy’s.
Murphy’s were engaged by the client to carry out the project works. The project was undertaken to remove the existing leaking asbestos roof sheeting and replace it with water-tight Colorbond Ultra roof.
Due to the high risks associated with the project – Working with Asbestos, Working at Heights, Working adjacent to a Transformer Yard and many more, Murphy’s assigned a specific team to the works.
Murphy’s project team worked together with the client to successfully deliver the project both on and off-site. This included the development of all approved documentation and implementation at work-site level.
With strict safety and substation entry training requirements we were required to source, train and ensure all project personnel were competently trained in accordance with the clients requirements. Murphy’s site manager verified all workers competencies and training in the induction stage of the project, and no persons were permitted to work on site without displaying the required competencies to enter the transformer yard and carry out the particular works.
All project works were completed to the specification, approved project construction drawings and relevant legislative requirements (for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos etc.). The project was delivered on time without any issues throughout the course of the works and the client was extremely pleased with the completed project. The client is considering using this project as an entry for the 2010 Heritage Awards.
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