Lighting and emergency lighting replacement
An assessment of the lighting and emergency lighting within a storage facility on the client’s site found that a significant quantity of the light fittings had failed.
The simplest approach to failing luminaires is to replace the existing luminaires with new fittings; however, due to issues identified in the building this was not considered viable in all instances.
Problems associated with the building included:
• Presence of asbestos containing materials in nearly all ceilings.
• Switching restrictions in place for some of the distribution boards
As such, the client requested that new lighting and emergency lighting be installed throughout the
building and following this, the existing system was to be isolated and left in place.
The works were detailed as delivery of an outline design and constructability review with site system engineering, which once approved was to be followed by a detailed design for the installation of the replacement lighting and emergency lighting systems.
Tenet initially undertook a desktop review and identified/located a series of relevant record drawings in order to undertake a survey in the relevant areas and either verify the information from the record drawings or ‘Red-Line’ as appropriate. Following the survey, an optioneering study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of several types of light fittings using DIALux calculation software. This software allows for realistic modelling of lighting scenarios which can be modified to accurately represent the on-site conditions. The results of the calculations were documented within a report along with any other relevant criteria such as cost, constructability and maintainability. The merits and demerits of each option were assessed relative to the criteria and the preferred solutions were presented to stakeholders for their approval.
Following approval, Tenet were tasked with incorporating the chosen solutions into design deliverables which could be utilised by the installation contractor during the construction phase. Within this design package was a wide range of technical drawings and documentation, including wiring schematics, fixing arrangements and an outline installation method statement. These deliverables were presented to the client at regular intervals to demonstrate progress and to ensure stakeholder buy-in.
During the construction phase, Tenet supported the installation contractor by responding to any technical queries using the client’s formal TQ system.
As a building cannot operate without an operating emergency lighting system in place, and the existing system had shown signs of failure, the design and installation of the new system needed to completed within a short timescale. This required key milestone dates to be agreed prior to project commencement and regular progress reviews to ensure that the deliverables were submitted to the client on time.
Tenet delivered all documentation to the client on time. A design review attended by stakeholders concluded that the design provided value for money. However, the ‘Cost Savings’ associated with this project are not necessarily to be considered only in terms of finance savings but also in terms of political and public perception. In the UK, the current law demands that all occupied buildings be fitted with adequate emergency lighting to allow safe exit in cases where there is loss of mains power. Inadequate emergency lighting could lead to occupants being unable to evacuate a building safely and could have fatal consequences. Therefore a fit for purpose emergency lighting system is a must have for any commercial/industrial building owner.
Tenet have supported the client throughout the project’s lifecycle from concept to installation. By engaging stakeholders throughout the design process, Tenet have ensured customer satisfaction. The success to this project was dependent upon encouraging a collaborative working environment. By using suitably qualified and experienced engineers, Tenet was able bring together a project team that could deliver maximum value to the client.
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