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Meeting Safety Specs In Your Construction Projects

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Meeting safety specs is critical in construction and can determine whether a project begins on time or stalls. So here are some necessary steps to ensure you meet the required goals.

Specify Required Materials

The many materials used throughout a construction project mean health and safety are vital. From the softest insulation to the toughest steel and concrete, all must be planned and defined. Any of which also come with inherent risk. For example, insulation must be fire tested, while concrete and steel frames need to be secured with undercut anchors. How and when any of these tests are to be carried out must be detailed. And if tests have already been conducted, you must show proof of suitability. And the same goes for all materials within a project.

Accurately Measure Dimensions

Construction projects are reliant on specific measurements. For example, everything must be cut to shape and size either through pre-fabrication or onsite. Measuring properly means you can install all building components correctly in their allocated space. Further, a construction project will be hampered and stalled by inaccurate measurements. And when this happens, you will lose money and possibly a contract. The consequences of this mean financial ruin and a poor reputation. Therefore, hire skilled individuals and always use the correct tools.

Architects are Crucial for Meeting Safety Specs

Any reputable architect incorporates safety by design. So always hire the best you can afford. Experienced commercial architects will possess all the necessary knowledge of adequate emergency procedures, proper storage and electrical safety required for the project. Here are some practical ways an architect can help maintain security on your site:

  • A fair assessment of all hazards in the work zone.
  • Reducing risk onsite with alternative inspection such as aerial drone photography.
  • Helping prevent worker exposure to potentially hazardous materials.

Given that injuries and fatalities in the construction industry are four times that of any other, you need all the help you can get regarding safety. You might be a well-qualified project manager, but having another expert set of eyes, ears, and hands is a massive help.

Hire Experts in Workmanship

Even the best-laid plans will go wrong if you don’t hire a team capable of doing the work. As a site manager, you are responsible for ensuring everyone onsite holds the relevant safety and workmanship qualifications. For instance, no forklift license, no job. Never used a hydraulic drill before? No job. It isn’t worth risking the safety of others just to save some money on a project. And it’s more than likely your project will fail if you fail to hire the right people. Further, anything that happens to someone means you are liable if you didn’t do all you could to avoid an incident.

Acquire All Licenses and Permits

There are many reasons you need to get the necessary licenses and permits for a construction job. At the very least, they prove to a client that your company can handle any contract you might be negotiating. But they also keep your business within compliance with any local regulations. Without compliance, you risk a botched job if you don’t know what you are doing. And the penalties include massive fines, jail time and a wholly ruined professional reputation. And at the end of the day, you will have nothing to show for it.

Summary

Meeting safety specs for your construction jobs is vital. First, you must specify any materials you are to use. But you also need to hire qualified architects and acquire the necessary permits.

PM Today Contributor
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