Working safely and considerately around a constrained live hospital site
Working around an existing ward with elderly patients has required the BAM team to be very adaptable. Matthew Garnet explains:
“We had to liaise very closely with the Trust because of the potential impact of noise, dust and vibration on the existing elderly patients whose ward we are literally building on top of, beside, and underneath.
“We assessed this in advance and used Lindapter fixings, which clamp onto the steelwork, reducing the need for drilling and vibration.”
“Apart from potential disruption, the privacy of the patients was something we looked at given the number of faces outside their windows. Although they have blinds, we were asked to apply a film across their windows so that the people working outside could not see in.”
“Because the site was bordered on three sides, access came from one direction only. The entrance was opposite the main car park so there were patients and staff walking across the perimeter of our operations and delivery area as construction vehicles arrived. This was potentially hazardous.
“We created walkways to steer pedestrians in the right direction safely and a temporary entrance for them too. We posted a man inside and a man outside the site, guiding deliveries and also helping to steer pedestrians and visitors away from potential hazards. Gates are locked unless admitting vehicles.
“We also created a tarmacked mini road to give our deliveries a safe drop off point and access to the works.”
