Safety in Motion
Case Study: Coastal Credit Union Headquarters
Coastal Credit Union (CCU) Headquarters is a renovation project located in Raleigh, NC. The scope includes interior and exterior renovations of the occupied, six-story corporate bank office building. This is a phased renovation working from the top floor to the bottom floor. While the team was working on higher levels of the building, bank employees were working on the lower levels. Once construction was completed upstairs, the CCU employees moved there, while the Barnhill team began the next phase of work on the first and second floors.
The Challenge
An active campus renovation can bring its own unique challenges to a project. In the case of the Coastal Credit Union HQ renovation, there were some complexities faced while keeping the facility open and operational during construction. The project required a delicate balance between doing a full gut renovation of the interior and exterior while ensuring the safety of occupants and maintaining business operations.
Safety Concerns on the Jobsite
Safety is a big concern on any jobsite, especially within an active building. An occupied facility presents its own set of unique challenges when it comes to maintaining life safety systems. For instance, sprinkler systems must be protected from accidental activation, often requiring adjustments to their positioning. In addition, dust and heat generated from construction activities such as welding or drywall cutting can easily trigger smoke detectors, leading to unnecessary evacuations and disruptions. Since fire alarm systems cannot be deactivated in occupied buildings, there is an emphasis on the need for careful planning and execution of construction work.
The Solution
By strictly controlling construction activities that could potentially trigger alarms and implementing regular maintenance checks, our team was able to help safeguard occupants and preserve the integrity of life safety systems.
Additionally, to ensure safe egress, clear pathways had to be maintained throughout the construction process. During this particular project, staff were moved throughout the building as different floors were renovated. This created many opportunities to develop, and regularly update, new egress paths and evacuation plans which had to be approved by both the owner and the fire department. Interim Life Safety Plans are crucial for ongoing construction as they outline specific procedures and precautions to mitigate risks. These plans had to be clearly and frequently communicated to tenants, patrons, and construction workers on the jobsite.
By carefully planning, coordinating, and executing the construction project, the bank was able to successfully complete the renovations while minimizing disruptions to its operations. This case study highlights the importance of effective communication, proactive safety measures, and a collaborative approach to managing construction projects in active facilities.