Managing a construction jobsite requires mitigating substantial risks. Common but often underestimated risks such as fire, theft and water damage can each cause a considerable amount of damage in a very short amount of time. If even one of these problems occurs, it can substantially change the estimated completion date of a project, putting a company at risk for lower customer satisfaction, profit loss and liability concerns. Any of these issues has the potential to cause damage that is expensive and time-consuming to resolve. The following tips will help construction executives protect their jobsites and minimize risk.
RISK OF FIRE
One major risk on a construction site is fire damage. Construction sites are particularly vulnerable to fires because a fire suppression system is often one of the last systems to be installed in a building. As a result, if a fire does break out, there are fewer systems in place to extinguish it.
A building that has only been framed has a lot of exposed wood, which could become kindling for the fire. Hot work on a jobsite can also significantly increase the risk of a fire. This work includes welding, grinding and cutting. Improper use of any of the tools or equipment involved in these processes could substantially increase the risk of fire. Additionally, certain types of temporary heating equipment might also put a jobsite at a higher risk of fire. Wiring and lighting could spark, particularly when such lighting or wiring is put in temporarily and may not meet building standards.
Reduce Flammability Risks
There are a few important preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of fire on a construction site. Any hot work that is contracted out should be handled by licensed and permitted workers. Be sure to follow the regulations outlined in NFPA 241, the Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations.
If any employees or subcontractors on the jobsite set up temporary lighting or heating equipment, it should be inspected and approved beforehand. All equipment must be set up correctly, be in full working condition and adhere to all safety standards. Heaters should be placed only on platforms or non-combustible flooring and areas around the heaters should be kept completely clear. Additionally, be sure to keep plenty of fire extinguishers on site in an accessible location while the fire suppression system is in the process of being installed.
RISK OF THEFT
Another major risk on a construction site is theft. Before the building is complete, fewer physical barriers keep people from entering without proper access or authorization. Windows and doors serve as barriers, but these also are often one of the last components of a building to be installed. While many construction sites use temporary fencing to set a perimeter, these structures leave the site vulnerable to people simply climbing over the fence or breaking through.
Many construction companies keep some of their equipment on the jobsite for convenience. The concrete subcontractor may leave tools and materials on the jobsite throughout the pours. Doing so makes it easier on the laborers but can increase the risk of theft. Construction tools and equipment are valuable and easy to sell, making them prime targets for burglars.
Most tools and equipment used at a site are not specifically marked or otherwise identifiable. A thief can easily make quick cash by selling the items at a pawn shop or to the highest bidder. Instead of absorbing the risk, consider renting equipment to have less on the jobsite that creates a target for thieves.
Mediate the Risk of Theft
The first step to reducing the risk of theft on a construction site is to install and maintain a strong physical barrier such as a single locked access gate that is only accessible to subcontractors and members of the team. Installing proper lighting can also play a surprisingly significant role in reducing theft, especially since many break-ins happen late at night or early in the morning. Keeping the site well-lit reduces the amount of space in which thieves can hide and can deter thieves from entering the property altogether.
In addition to a strong physical barrier and proper lighting, a comprehensive surveillance and security system can also be vital to protecting a construction site from theft. An electronic surveillance system often includes cameras placed around the construction site, along with sensors and alarms. More advanced sensors can detect nuances such as temperature changes, water exposure or breaking glass. If a jobsite is in a high-crime area or has been broken into before, consider hiring a security guard for an added layer of protection.
Tools, equipment and building materials are prime targets for thieves, so valuable materials should be locked up and kept out of sight when not in use. Keep inventory tracking up-to-date so that all equipment is accounted for at all times.
RISK OF WATER DAMAGE
Water damage is one of the most significant yet underestimated risks on a construction site. Water can cause a substantial amount of damage in a short period of time. If a building has framing in place, the water can rot the wood or cause it to swell and shift. When the construction site is in the later stages of the development process, too much moisture can lead to mold growth, which is expensive to remediate. Water damage is the top cause of loss on a jobsite, so it is very important to take steps to reduce this risk.
Broken pipes, weather changes and vandalism can all lead to water damage on a job site. When there are multiple subcontractors and laborers working on a site at a time, it can be easy to make a mistake or hit a pipe accidentally. This common problem can have serious repercussions, so it’s important to have a plan in place to prevent, detect and respond to water damage concerns.
Prevent Water Damage
The first and most preliminary step in reducing the risk of water damage is to only allow licensed and experienced plumbers to work as subcontractors on the jobsite. All plumbing work should be cleared before the plumbers start. Everyone working on the site should know where pipes are located to avoid digging too deep. Another step in preventing water damage is to keep up with regular quality control testing and conduct periodic inspections throughout the entire construction process.
Along with prevention, a construction site needs detection systems in place. While preventing the damage in the first place is the main goal, construction site personnel needs to able to act fast if something goes wrong. Early detection of water in a building can significantly reduce the amount of damage that occurs, so make sure all personnel know how to properly and quickly respond to potential leaks. Another preventative measure is to install an electronic leak detection system which can alert you to potential uncontrolled water, which is especially helpful if the damage happens when you are away from the site.
The third step in lessening the risk of water damage is developing a clear and effective response plan. If water spreads through the building, everyone on the site should know how to respond properly. Plenty of equipment should be on site to efficiently remove excess water. Industrial fans and dehumidifiers should also be accessible to lessen the damage. When fans and other moisture-reducing equipment are deployed immediately after a leak, the damage and overall loss are significantly reduced.
Protecting a construction site is vital in ensuring timely project completion, maintaining client satisfaction, avoiding profit loss and reducing liability concerns. More importantly, many issues on a construction site can also harm the personnel on the site, so minimizing risk is important in preventing injury and maintaining safety.
If specific equipment is needed to manage damage due to fire or water leaks, consider renting. Contractors typically will not need the equipment for very long, so renting saves time, money, and hassle. With access to the right equipment, along with a thorough response plan, contractors can reduce the risk of serious damage on a jobsite.
Original Article: http://www.constructionexec.com/article/tips-to-protect-jobsites-from-three-underestimated-risks-using-equipment
