Client
Bam Nuttall
Project
Station Rewire & Relight project
Sector
Rail
Location
Elmstead Woods
Year
2020
Duration
6 Months
The Brief
Elmstead Woods is a Category D commuter station and the electrical installation was identified as being at the end of its design life, requiring renewal. Similarly mechanical services also required replacement or upgrade.
To address the life expired installations the scheme was to provide a renewal of the electrical distribution systems, small power and lighting installations, and mechanical services including heating and ventilation and domestic hot water storage and delivery at Elmstead Woods Station.
The station comprises 4no open platforms, canopy covered sections, footbridge and associated station buildings and an approach road and car park.
The station had recently undergone works to replace the roof structure of the platform canopies and the pedestrian footbridge with associated redecoration. All new electrical and mechanical installations would therefore be undertaken in a manner so as not to detract from the new finishes.
The Approach
The works under this project comprise of the following:
Develop the design from the clients initial brief through to Authorised for Construction on site. Grip 1-5. Deliver the scope through to handback GRIP 6-8.
To include but not limited to:
• Removal of existing old DNO supply fuse head and meter and replacement with new.
• Removal of existing old station switchgear and provision of new main switchgear including feeder pillar cabinets at each platform together with new MCCB Panel board and distribution boards.
• Provision of new submain cables, earthing and bonding, LV power, lighting and emergency lighting final circuits to replace existing as indicated on project drawings.
• New lighting and emergency lighting installation to replace existing.
• Small power and ancillary services installation to replace existing.
• Final circuit wiring.
• Provision of new containment systems and retention of existing systems - also temporary feed arrangements to maintain operational capability
• Earthing and bonding.
• Mechanical Services and associated supplies.
• All builders works and civils works associated with new mechanical and electrical services and systems installation comprising underground ducting and turning chambers, lighting column bases, feeder pillar bases and platform surface reinstatement.
• Inspection, testing & commissioning on completion.
The Challenges
Not every project runs smoothly, for a variety of reasons – this particular project has been greatly impacted by the 2020 COVID-19 Global Pandemic and the resulting Government and Public Health England restrictions. Great strain was placed on the delivery of key materials, requiring resequencing of sections of the works in progress. The Social Distancing requirements posed a particular problem for the construction activities and our management team and operatives worked professionally and diligently with our client to identify how these additional controls could be incorporated into the delivery of works in as efficient and safe manner as possible – all of the HSEQ paperwork was effectively reviewed and redrafted and re briefed to ensure that works could be undertaken in accordance with all of the additional controls required. It is possible that some or all or even tighter controls may be required when the construction industry returns to normal, or whatever the new normal may look like – whatever happens KH Engineering Services will react in a positive and timely manner to ensure the continued safe delivery of the works as efficiently as can be achieved.
The Delivery
The dedicated team for this project comprised of project management and experienced office based support staff together with site supervision and highly skilled operatives supplemented with proven supply chain partners. The electrical operatives are all in-house and are electrically competent and (Personal Track Safety) PTS qualified to ensure health & and safety is at the forefront of our delivery stream whilst using their expertise to maximise efficiency in delivery.
As an example of our commitment to continued safe delivery we ensure that further training is given to operatives and the competencies are maintained through management of a detailed training matrix, this includes;
International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) allowing competent use of MEWPs. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – Cherry Pickers and Scissor lifts.
- Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers' Association (PASMA) promoting best practice when erecting and using mobile towers.
- Column training, ensuring the heavy lighting columns can be raised, lowered and installed correctly and safely
- Abrasive Wheels training, to manage this particular risk properly
- IHasco - covering such things as diversity, asbestos awareness, working at height, etc
- Electro-technical Certification scheme, (ECS), ensuring electrical competence
To complement the further training our engineers all receive frequent topical tool box talks to ensure they are informed on safe work practices and new initiatives, maintaining awareness of safety directives and shared close calls. We actively encourage close call reporting as we believe that early identification of incidences of all kinds and sharing of information informs the planning of safe works.
Works are planned with the safety of the operatives and the travelling public at the fore, further the ongoing operational capability of the station and the railway in general is key to the successful delivery of the project. Safe systems of work are developed and adhered to throughout the project lifecycle.
The Outcome
This particular project is currently a works in progress and the performance of this contract is not solely appraised on timely achievement of completion of the works, though every effort is made to improve completion dates, but also on the safe delivery in extremely challenging and changing circumstances over and above those of the operational railway that we routinely manage well.