By: RK Mechanical
Large-scale construction requires collaboration across numerous disciplines. It’s rare to find a contractor who has the capability to perform multiple trades in-house. For the successful execution of a project, effective planning is essential. From project conception to completion, construction teams must consider zoning, scheduling, budgeting, bidding, safety, transportation of materials, logistics and much more.
Trade-Specific Roles and Responsibilities
The architect designs and develops construction drawings including structural, electrical and mechanical requirements, interior design and lighting. Their final drawings are detailed and include specifications and materials for a construction manager to estimate the total cost of the project. During construction, they monitor work and submit new drawings if changes are made. They also prepare final acceptance documents at the completion of the project.
Construction engineers direct construction projects. They handle everything from the design of the construction project to making sure that everything is going as planned on-site.
General contractors are responsible for providing all of the necessary material, equipment, labor and services for the construction of the project. They typically hire special trade contractors to perform all or some of the work.
Mechanical contractors* install and maintain technologically advanced and energy-efficient HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing and piping systems. The following trades fall under mechanical contracting:
Plumbing: Plumbers install and maintain pipes and mechanical systems for water supply, gas, drainage, sewerage and HVAC systems.
Piping: Pipefitters fabricate, assemble, maintain and repair large high-pressure piping systems.
Sheet Metal: Sheet metal workers install HVAC ductwork and related work.
Construction laborers perform a variety of tasks from erecting and restoring structures, maintaining stormwater, drainage and sewerage systems to excavating, clearing and leveling sites. Laborers are skilled workers who are proficient with pneumatic tools, hand tools, blasting and smaller heavy equipment.
Carpenters and joiners construct, erect, install and renovate structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, wallboard and other materials and cut, shape and fit the parts to form structures and fittings.
Electricians* specialize in electrical wiring of buildings and equipment. They design, assemble, install, test, diagnose and maintain electrical systems and equipment.
Glaziers are responsible for measuring, cutting, installing and removing glass for windows, doors, mirrors, shower doors, skylights, display cases, facades, interior walls, ceilings, tabletops and more.
Heavy equipment operators operate heavy machinery such as cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to lift, move and place materials, equipment and people onto building and construction sites.
Insulation installers are responsible for all insulating materials, protective coverings, coatings and finishes to mechanical systems.
Ironworkers* fabricate and erect structural steel and other metals as well as repair metal products using various welding techniques. They also position and secure reinforcing bars and mesh which are used to reinforce concrete.
Landscapers create or renovate outdoor spaces by planting lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs. They also construct hard landscaping features such as paths, patios and decks.
Masons are skilled in brick laying and concrete finishing which includes pouring and finishes concrete for floors, stairs, ramps, footpaths, bridges and more.
Painters are responsible for the painting and decorating of buildings which includes the application of paint, varnish or wallpaper to protect and decorate surfaces of structures.
Plasterers apply plaster and fix partitions, suspended ceilings, fire rating systems, acoustic tiles and apply decorative and protective coverings of plaster, cement and similar materials to the interiors and exteriors of structures.
Roofers specialize in roof construction including the application of materials such as tiles, sheets and shingles that weatherproof buildings.
Tilers lay various types of tiles on external and internal surfaces, such as walls and floors, to provide protective and decorative finishes.
With the large number of diverse trades that may be involved in a construction project, establishing collaboration is particularly important. All large commercial projects are likely to involve the coordination of complex information, procedures and systems.
RK gives construction, commercial and industrial customers a reliable, single source for mechanical and electrical contracting, custom manufacturing, steel fabrication, prefabricated buildings, facilities and equipment maintenance and water treatment solutions. For more information about what RK can do for your next construction project, contact sales@rkindustries.com.
*RK has professionals who specialize in these fields that are available to collaborate with you on your next construction project.
By: RK Electrical
When organizations plan their facilities maintenance budgets, electrical maintenance is often overlooked as most funds are allocated to HVAC, climate control and plumbing systems.
It’s good to reassess the budget, because proper preventive electrical maintenance helps organizations stay compliant with NFPA 70E, the standard for electrical safety in the workplace. Maintenance also ensures a safe electrical system and work environment that complies with OSHA electrical safety standards.
Organizations that perform electrical maintenance also save money on utility bills. It is estimated that U.S. businesses lose roughly $4 billion a year in energy costs due to inefficient equipment and operations. Improving energy efficiency can lower utility costs up to 30{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b}.
The key components of a preventive electrical maintenance program.
Infrared thermography scanning every three years
Infrared thermography is an effective method of scanning your electrical system for “hot spots” in motors, breakers and switchgear that indicate problems. The data shows what’s needed to improve systems, enhance environmental comfort and increase building efficiency. Infrared thermography scans should be performed every three years and are ideal before cleaning and torqueing as it may point out issues that can be fixed in the cleaning and torqueing process.
Cleaning and torqueing electrical equipment every three years
The lugs in electrical gear constantly get heated up, then cooled off, causing repeated expansion and contraction that, over time, loosens them up. It’s important to have a qualified electrician clean electrical panels and switch gear, and then torque the lugs and any other loose components to meet the manufacturers’ equipment specifications.
Without maintenance, the loose lugs can start arcing, increasing the risk of fires and shock hazards. Motors can burn out, which can cause outages and electrical issues throughout the building. The building will also suffer from decreased energy efficiency. If you don’t have qualified electrical personnel for three-year cleaning and torqueing, you can easily outsource it under a Planned Maintenance Agreement with a provider like RK Electrical.
Lighting audits and improvements annually
Compromised lighting systems can have a serious negative impact on energy efficiency. Your organization should perform a lighting audit once a year by checking all lights in the facility. Do the lights and sensors work? Do the switches work properly? Is the timing system set to on/off at the right times? If not, your facility could be losing lots of money!
Additionally, entry and exit lights near doors and in stairwells are required work properly at all times, per NFPA code, and these lights can go out quickly because they have a short battery life. Batteries require checking and they may need EM balancing. Check these lights first for NFPA compliance, or have a licensed electrical professional from RK Electrical do it!
Why outsource?
Outsourcing electrical preventive maintenance can ensure that maintenance occurs on regular schedule and is conducted in a thorough manner, and also fills staffing gaps if your internal team lacks electrically qualified personnel.
Questions? Contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com.