Sectors & Key Points
Cyclical Maintenance
Legal Disrepair Works
Development
Community
Social Housing
Client:
Anchor Housing Trust
Value:
£550,000
Team:
Scope Of Work:
Air Conditioning/Ventilation
Bespoke Thorlux energy efficient lighting
Emergency lighting
Internal/External redecoration
Flooring
Refurbishment of Communal areas, Bedrooms and shower rooms
Replacement of Mechanical and Electrical infrastructure
Installation of CCTV and Nurse Call System
Project Description
In collaboration with the client, we jointly identified a series of work packages to improve the standard of the four major care homes, to be carried out over a two-year period, which coincided with the home’s financial years to secure their funding and included a range of mechanical and electrical engineering works.
Challenges
At the start of the project records from the facilities manager were in a poor state so we ensured we updated all asset information during the works and presented it to the client on completion
The homes would be fully operational, meaning all the work had to be done in a live environment. It was imperative that LMAC undertook resident profiling to ascertain any vulnerabilities. For example, some residents had dementia and needed to understand what work would take place. It involved getting family and carers involved.
Health and safety considerations of the residents and staff were obviously going to be paramount throughout the project. Establishing the trust of the residents was going to be crucial to the success of the works.
A rodent infestation was discovered by LMAC during the works to one of the lofts.
How we met those Challenges
Risk Assessments completed at the beginning of the works were reviewed and revised regularly as the work progressed. Any changes were discussed with the managers at daily meetings which included the actions to eradicate the rodent problem.
We minimised noise and disruption to the running of the homes by segregating work areas from residents while maintaining emergency fire escape routes. We achieved this by installing signage and barriers or identifying alternative routes, especially important for those who used frames or wheelchairs.
When working in individuals’ bedrooms during the M&E upgrades, we provided respite areas so that residents had a quiet safe place especially if they were sensitive to the noise or were nervous of our operatives, who they didn’t know. However, they always made a point of introducing themselves.
Logistically, carrying out this volume of work needed strong communication skills and thoughtful resource management so that the strict programme could be maintained to minimise disruption to the residents, and we are happy to say this was achieved.
Upon commencement, LMAC identified that the initial design provided by the client was not fit for purpose. Therefore, we agreed with the client to undertake surveys of the existing installations and provide solutions. We presented and managed these and other issues on site via an RFI schedule which assisted both Kier and Anchor Housing Trust in closing out actions that followed.
The programme was challenging due to the amount of work to be completed in such a short timescale, so orders were placed early on long lead items such as the light fittings, which took 6-8 weeks.
We developed a realistic 3 week look ahead programme for the duration of the project and sequenced the works to ensure the M&E upgrades were completed prior to commencing redecorations so things stayed on track.
Our work areas were constantly monitored by a non-working operative in order to ensure resident safety. All thoroughfares were kept clear and work areas made safe and cleaned on completion at the end of each day in order to ensure the building remained hazard free.
