How to Keep Your Industrial Facility Operational During Construction

There are many settings where construction projects will be done on industrial facilities while said facilities remain in partial or even full operation, and being able to manage this reality is very important if you're involved in such a project. This involves balancing facility operations with any construction activities that are going on, plus ensuring proper safety for everyone in the area.

At Redi, this is just one of numerous industrial construction areas we're happy to assist clients with. Our facility maintenance services extend to numerous settings, including those where construction is taking place within or near a given facility, and we also offer diverse solutions for any actual construction needs you may have. Whether on your own or with help from our team, here are some of the key approaches necessary for keeping your industrial facility in quality, safe operation while a construction project is taking place.

Having a Logistics Plan in Advance

Well ahead of the start of any construction project, it's important to have a logistics plan in place that outlines how operations will be managed throughout the work. This may involve reconfiguring or temporarily shutting down parts of your facility so as to accommodate any necessary construction activities, and it will also include measures for keeping everyone safe while this is going on.

For example, depending on the type of construction being done and what it involves, you may need to evacuate employees from a certain area or close it down entirely for safety reasons. Other measures that can help with this include having clearly-marked pathways for workers to follow around the facility, ensuring any heavy machinery is kept far away from these pathways, and properly training anyone in charge of directing workers around the site.

Managing Increased Construction Traffic

Another key aspect to managing any construction project on your facility is handling increased traffic, as this can be a major source of concern for employees and other stakeholders alike. This traffic may include workers who are coming in and out of the area, or delivery trucks and other vehicles that are dropping off supplies or picking up finished materials.

To manage such increased traffic, it's a good idea to create appropriate routes for vehicles that are coming onto the site, including having specific lanes designated for moving in and out of the area. This will help avoid accidents involving workers or other personnel who may be walking around the facility, as well as allowing trucks to get in and out of the area without major interruptions.

Utilize Off-Hours Construction Where Possible

If it's possible within the construction schedule, it's often a good idea to plan for off-hours construction activities. This may involve working on weekends or during nights when the facility is typically not in use, as this will help with limiting any interruptions of operations. Plus, off-hours work can also cut down on safety risks and other possible problems that can occur from increased traffic and equipment that may be moving in near the facility.

Now, if your facility typically operates on a 24/7 basis, off-hours construction won't be possible and it may be necessary to close specific parts of the site during off-hours work. This will involve shutting down any equipment that's located in the area and properly marking these areas with signage that keeps workers safe. It can also require having certain personnel on hand to oversee any construction activities while they're happening, especially if the project requires the use of heavy machinery or other equipment to be moved around on site.

Plan Ahead for Utility Outages

There may be certain situations during a construction project where power or other utilities need to be cut off. This can happen when a facility is being renovated, rebuilt, or expanded, and it's important to keep this in mind as you're planning any such work.

In order for utility outages to be done properly, it's helpful to have a backup plan in place for any critical operations that need to keep running during this time. This may include having generators on hand or establishing other measures for dealing with any power loss, and it can also involve working with utility companies ahead of time so they know exactly what's taking place at your facility and when.

Ensure Your Construction Team is Experienced

When you're looking for contractors or other workers who will be involved in a construction project on your facility, it's important to ensure they have the experience needed for such a job. This can involve looking at their past work history and also asking about any training for dealing with off-hours or other types of similar construction situations as well.

In addition, you may also want to investigate any safety certifications or other credentials that workers in this field may have, as this can help you determine whether they're the best fit for managing your project.

By taking these steps, you can better handle increased traffic, decreased operations, and any other challenges that come up with construction projects on your facility. By properly planning ahead and handling these situations, you can help to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible.

And at Redi, we're fully equipped to help you navigate these challenges and manage the construction of your facilities or other projects. With our extensive knowledge of the field and experience working with a wide range of clients, we're dedicated to helping your project run smoothly from start to finish. Reach out today for more information on how we can be of service!