School Project Management Phase 2: Pipework
A Kent Primary School - Phase 2 – Heating System and Domestic Pipework Replacement
Background
The previous year the school refurbished its boiler room. Phase 2 involved the replacement of the original pipework, much of which was buried in trenches and insulated with asbestos. Due to the envisaged disruption, the work had to be scheduled and completed during the summer holidays.
Key Concerns Identified
- Presence of Asbestos.
- ‘Dead legs’ on the domestic water systems causing high legionella counts.
- Discrepancies with the original record drawings and the unrecorded changes which had been made over the past 50 plus years.
- Routing of the new pipework around the building which although was a single storey building was split across various levels.
- Maintaining the warranty on the recently covered roof.
Consultancy Action
VJA Consultancy Limited undertook a comprehensive assessment of the client’s requirements and developed a solution with the design team. Based on the findings, a tender document was prepared on behalf of the school, and a suitable contractor was appointed.
- Acted as the Project Manager and Contract Administrator on behalf of the School.
- Facilitated the Contract Progress Meetings and assisted with the resolution of any issues.
- Over saw the Commissioning and reviewed the Operating and Maintenance Manuals.
- Prepared and managed the snagging plus the management of the 12-month defects.
Outcome and Recommendations
• The Project was completed within the school holidays, on time and within budget.
• The new heating system provided a greater control of energy, reducing the operational costs.
• The new heat emitters (fan convectors, radiators, and finned tubes) were fitted with local temperature control for increased student and staff comfort.
• The new installation provided a low maintenance solution, keeping costs low.
• Provided one to one training for the Premises staff so they were able to undertake first line maintenance tasks and fault finding.
Conclusion
This Project allowed the staff to control the classroom temperatures for the students therefore having the ability to control their energy consumption and reduce the energy costs of the school.
It also removed the old ‘dead legs’ in the domestic water systems improving the water hygiene quality and the risk of bacteria growth.
The new roof covering warranties were maintained by the appointment of same roofing contractor.