As climate change-induced severe weather introduces increased risks of rainstorms and flooding, it’s imperative to be proactive about water-associated risks on a construction project.
In our last issue, we shared “How (and why) to do a water risk assessment before every construction project”. The natural next step is to use that assessment to create a water (fluid) management plan using the information uncovered in the risk assessment.
A water management plan should be developed early in the project and identify potential risks, assess their impact, and outline mitigation strategies. Here are some best practices to consider as you create your water management plan.
Develop a detailed project plan
Ensure the project plan includes realistic and measurable goals, timelines, and milestones. This plan should be thoroughly documented and accessible to all stakeholders. The Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group has a good template.
Communicate clearly and regularly
Hold regular progress meetings with the project team, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page and any issues are promptly addressed. Establish clear communication channels to facilitate the flow of information and ensure that all team members are informed about project updates and changes.
Use scheduling technology and mobile solutions
Consider using robust construction scheduling software to manage tasks, resources, and timelines. Digital tools can help keep the project on track by providing real-time updates and facilitating efficient project management. It’s also useful to implement mobile solutions to allow on-site teams to update progress and report issues in real-time, ensuring that any delays are quickly identified and addressed.
Choose competent contractors
Plumbing, ventilation, heating, and sprinkler companies should be members of recognized industry associations. Ensure adequate evidence of professional affiliations, membership of approved contractor schemes, and staff training records in the tender process. When necessary, contractors should be trained by the manufacturer supplying the system, particularly if bespoke machinery or specific techniques are required.
Consider Aviva Specialist Partners. Every company listed has been vetted to ensure that it has the appropriate licences and certifications.
Minimize risk with water-related construction choices
There are some features that create risk instead of mitigating it. Avoid ones like combined service-risers that house multiple building services and concealed pipework. Pay careful attention to the location of water carrying services (including joint locations) and water tanks in relation to critical assets to avoid damage.
Ensure adequate security
Inadequate security and supervision of construction sites puts your site at risk. Theft of metal and malicious damage of fluid-filled systems is an increasing cause of fluid escape, especially when a site is unoccupied.
Pressure test pipes
As part of any installation process, all pipework should be pressure tested in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines and to a pressure and duration defined by the system designer. The results should be recorded with independent witnessing included in the process.
As part of any testing procedure there should be appropriate supervision along the entire length of the network under test, both during the test and for a number of hours after the test. This should include appropriate communication channels and means for raising an alarm if a loss of containment is sustained. The number of people involved in the supervision of the test should be based on a risk assessment, the location and number of joints, and the vulnerability of the occupancy.
If an occupancy is particularly vulnerable, a pneumatic pressure test should be completed before any hydrostatic or hydrodynamic testing.
Develop emergency measures
Emergency response procedures should be documented and include:
- identification of key and important individuals
- simple clear instructions
- an accurate and up-to-date contact list
- formal identification and location of all isolation valves and drain lines
- drawings of the actual physical systems.
Monitor and update the plan
Using project tracking tools to monitor progress against the project plan helps to identify any deviations from the schedule early on. Be flexible and ready to adjust plans as needed to accommodate changes and unforeseen challenges.
Test the plan
The management team and any security personnel on site should have easy access to the plan and conduct regular drills throughout the construction project. If any leaks occur (no matter how small):
- the incident should be formally investigated and the root causes identified
- take suitable remedial action
- update the project scope to ensure remedial measures are included in the remainder of the works
- share learnings with the rest of the group
Aviva Risk Management Solutions can help
Reach out to our Risk Management Solutions team at ARMS.Canada@aviva.com to learn how we can help you with your risk management needs.
