Longview School

 

 

 

Year:              2011                                                          

Duration:      12 weeks

Value:            £260,000

 

Project Introduction

This contract at Longview School on behalf of client 2020 Knowsley Limited entailed the removal and replacement of the existing roof coverings on the southern and western school roofs. The contract encompassed two sets of works packages, one for the replacement of the roofs and a second for the removal and installation of new windows to the classrooms.

The works were carried out in the summer months and commenced upon closure of the school for the summer vacation. This provided the Lyjon team with much improved and safer access to the works areas, without the need for minimising disruption to the school children nor the associated safety issues. The fact the school was closed did however raise different safety and security concerns geared more to the prevention of access and trespass onto the site and school grounds.

The location of the school grounds close to a residential area and the effective presence of numerous curious children on summer vacation meant that safety and security had to be further enhanced, particularly during unsociable hours.

Sustainable Development

During construction Lyjon implemented a Sustainability Plan, which strived to ensure that the project contributed positively in terms of social, economic and environmental issues.
The construction phase promoted local economic benefit through direct employment, skill generation, and the use of regional materials and through indirect economic impacts

Reducing Public Disturbance

Access to the school from the main road was quite poor and limiting. The school remained in partial use over the summer period by the Headteacher, staff and Caretaker and to this end, the Contracts Manager proposed that alternative site access across the school field may prove a better and safer alternative, especially giving consideration to the need for numerous material deliveries. In consultation with the Head-teacher, the Contracts Manager proposed the use of a polypropylene tracking system to create a protective access track across the field to the works compound. This system (which is commonly used by travelling fairgrounds), is a basic protective layer that prevents the grass from getting churned and damaged under vehicular movement. Upon completion of the contract, the tracking system was removed to reveal the grass unaffected and in its original green state.

Throughout the works, the Site Manager maintained regular contact with the Head-teacher and client through formal and informal progress and review meetings. He was available at all times via his mobile phone to respond to any arising questions or queries.

Occupational Health and Safety

Robust safety hoardings were constructed around the perimeter of the works and key access routes and barriers installed where necessary. Safety signage was clearly presented at the entrance to the school and upon the hoardings as a means to warn and inform of the dangers and deter unauthorised access to the site. Security measures were undertaken in the form of a mobile Security Guard who was recruited to patrol the site out of hours.

The essential presence of scaffolding as a means to carry out the roof works safely posed another safety concern. At the end of each working day, all ladders and other points of access were removed and securely locked away into the storage containers in the compound.

Economic Responsibility

When looking at methods to replace the roof, a key issue of concern for the Lyjon team was the threat of inclement weather conditions. Despite being the summer period, rain was always a possibility and to this end, the Contracts Manager decided that exposure of the classrooms to the elements was not an option; any internal damage caused by the rain or wind would prove costly. Instead, a method of phasing the works was decided upon where sections of the roof were stripped back to the rafters, felted and batoned in stages. This procedure ensured that the classrooms below underwent minimal exposure to the elements and were kept watertight by the felt before the staff progressed onto the next phase of the roof. Once the roof had been completely felted and battened, the tiling was able to commence which provided the finished and waterproofed completion.

In a similar vein, the removal and replacement of each window was carried out on the same day to prevent prolonged exposure to the classrooms. This doubled as a security measure thus preventing any unauthorised entry out of hours.

Regional Material Suppliers

All materials were manufactured within the UK. Regional materials were preferred in order to support local economies and minimise the environmental impacts due to transportation.

Environmental Responsibility

In line with Lyjon’s Environmental Policy and Procedures, the site team collected and segregated all waste for recycling where possible. The material and finishes taken from the original roof were taken off site and recycled as hardcore building material.

The planning, management, safety and security measures adopted on this project ensured the works ran smoothly and relatively problem-free. The replacement roofs and windows were all completed to the agreed time and budget.