The Scheme is “giving a better perception of the industry”- Raymond Brown Construction Ltd
Raymond Brown Construction Ltd has been considerately engaged in demolishing, removing and rebuilding the RNLI’s (Royal National Lifeboat Institute’s) pontoon in Brixham, Devon.
Site Manager, Nick Gibb, has spoken of the many considerations made during this essential work, such as making less disruptive sea deliveries and using low-noise plant, while ensuring the RNLI remained fully operational, 24/7.
The Raymond Brown Group has been operating as an independent business for over 60 years, working in partnership with customers, suppliers and employees to build a trusting relationship that aims to exceed the expectations of all parties.
This approach has led to many successful projects and repeat business, which has resulted in its turnover approaching £70m.
Outlining the RNLI project in Brixham, Nick said:
“The RNLI Brixham pontoon upgrade project is to remove the existing pontoon, which serves the Severn class all-weather lifeboat, and replace it with a new improved design to ensure the pontoon remains fully functional throughout all weather and tidal conditions.
The new pontoon will be restrained by piles, which are rock socketed into the seabed. The existing brow from the shore will be shot blasted and repainted as part of the works, along with some landside concrete and fencing activities.”
Describing some of the main challenges encountered during this work, Nick said:
“The RNLI lifeboat station has remained fully operational, 24 hours a day. This has meant that at no point could our works restrict access to the slipway for the inshore lifeboat.
We have communicated daily with the RNLI crews and carefully sequenced the works.
The silts on the harbour bed were contaminated and so when we removed the material in the piles, extra care had to be taken to prevent contamination of the surrounding harbour, which was achieved by using silt curtains. We then transported the material removed from site to a licensed tip.
The works involved significant items of plant for certain operations and as the surrounding residential properties were in such close proximity, we used super silent plant.”
Raymond Brown Construction Ltd feels that the Scheme is improving the image of the construction industry, by giving the general public a better perception and presenting construction sites as professional places to work.
Here are some examples of best practice initiatives carried out by Raymond Brown Construction Ltd:
- All site offices, stores and welfare facilities were presented in corporate colours and company branding was carried on corporate signage, website, cabins in corporate colours and branded PPE and workwear.
- The site boundary was securely fenced off from the public with Heras fence panels which allow the public to view the works. Site operations were viewable from numerous locations and generated considerable public interest.
- The perimeter was clear of debris and litter and the compound and barge was organised and tidy.
- Pre-start information and newsletters were provided for neighbours. An information board was placed in client RNLI’s shop next door.
- Sequenced deliveries were scheduled as far as possible to avoid the half-term period and peak times for traffic. Due to the site’s restricted access by road, large deliveries were brought to site by sea.
- Deliveries on small commercial vehicles were made subject to time scheduling, with no weekend or half term deliveries.
- Use of local shops was encouraged by operatives and local trade supliers are used. Special terms were agreed with a nearby café which encouraged operatives to eat there.
- Site rules policy was in force and a visitor induction and lifejacket provided on site.
- Super Silent machines used for continuous running operations. Major piling operations were carried out in blocks to reduce noise pollution.
- A pilot service was provided to private craft when harbour operations were likely to be disrupted by sea barges.
- Local engineering company was engaged and temporary local operatives sourced through recruitment agencies.
- Silt curtains were used around the works while conducting the piling and drilling activities to prevent contamination of the adjacent harbour area with silts disturbed by the works.
- Soft start techniques were employed when piling to minimise the impact on marine mammals and aquatic life by allowing them to leave before full start up.
- Bowsers fully bunded and absorbent materials placed around all fuel cans and plant as extra precaution.
- Waste management plan with excavated and drilled risings used on site and minimum waste production implemented.
- Noisy operations completed during respectful hours and local environmental health department consulted and kept informed, as well as neighbours.
- Very strict measures in place to protect the natural sea harbour environment which is subject to MMO (Maritime Management Organisation) approval and monitoring.
- Activities required minimal water use and modern fuel efficient plant was in use with ‘turn-off when not in use’ policy.
- Measures of carbon footprint and data of site travel mileage was recorded.
- A&E information, first aid, risk assessments and PPE including lifejackets were provided.
- Site Manager carried a pager and mobile phone at all times in case of emergency contact.
- Regular safety audits, safety toolbox talks and site monitoring was in place. Safety audits record all incidents, hazards and near misses and make recommendations.
- Emergency water rescue procedures were in place and covered during induction.
- Banksman supervised all deliveries and used temporary fencing for additional protection of the public.
- All operatives were issued with life jackets and rigorous method statements and risk assessments were produced for all activities.
- A safety boat was in attendance for all the marine works. Daily briefings carried out to ensure all operatives know the exact updated safety plan every day.
- Assessment of training needs of operatives and the provision of training courses were implemented.
- Health risks of operations were assessed and two full sets of weather protection PPE supplied.
- The site had good facilities for the entire workforce including a canteen, drying room, secure storage, toilet and hand washing station.
- Extra toilet facilities were provided on a floating barge work area.
- Health and wellbeing literature was displayed and welfare facilities cleaned by site operatives on a rota basis.
- Feedback encouraged at daily briefings through an open door policy and the provision of feedback cards in the canteen.
