Bouygues UK – Vantage Data Center
Vantage data centers power, cool, protect, and connect the technology of the world’s best known hyperscales. Newport is one of the largest in the UK and Europe and home to one of the biggest: Microsoft. Integrated Fencing was delighted to be appointed by Bouyges UK Ltd to carry out the supply and installation of the 4.2m high security fencing at the premises.
As part of our service, we are able to offer vacuum excavation on all projects as we have a fleet of all terrain Vac-Ex machines. The majority of our work was to be installed in areas where there were existing services including electric mains, gas, and water. Prior to us starting on site there was another contractor carrying out works to the perimeter and during their time they had two electric cable strikes before being removed from the site.
The challenge
Due to the cable strikes caused by the previous contractor, Bouygues instructed us to carry out all works on site using the Vac–Ex machine.
A strict no hand dig policy was put in place. This would have been difficult on a site like this with a standard Vac-Ex lorry, however ours are all terrain and have the same tracks as an excavator. Therefore, we can track the machine almost anywhere to prevent the need of hand digging on site. Our Vac-Ex machine can tow a compressor on the back of it also which makes it self-contained for the use of the Air Lance.
As a result of using the Vac-Ex we did not have any cable strikes and discovered a number of services which were not on plans provided. The use of our Vac-Ex machine was not only instructed by Bouygues for our works, but we also carried out excavation works on site for other contractors on site who weren’t able to offer this service.
The outcome
The use of the Vac-Ex on site is not only beneficial for the client but it is also beneficial for our team. The use of the Vac-Ex provided them with confidence that they are safe when excavating. It also puts less strain on them using shovels or grafters to open holes.
The Vac-Ex machine carries the spoil from the holes which again takes the strain off our labour. All operatives involved in the Vac-Ex works must complete a day’s course which outlines the theory and operation. They then must complete a test on what they have learned during the training, so we know all operatives are competent to use the machines.
Integrated Fencing was delighted to hand over this project to the client in January 2023. This was a very challenging site which had many obstacles for us to overcome to achieve completion. By working closely with Bouygues and using the resources we have available to us we completed the project on time to an excellent standard.
Bouygues H&S Manager Danielle Coppell said:
“The risks associated with working near and around live services is widely known throughout the construction industry. The suite of measures needed to ensure safe digging practices remain prevalent and the repercussions can often be severe, including serious life-changing injuries.
“Therefore, it was refreshing to engage with Integrated Fencing who shared the same vision and passion for integrating best practice in their SSOW with the use of vacuum excavation equipment. Notwithstanding the obvious health and safety benefits this equipment provides with regards to avoiding service strikes, its use has also expedited the activities offering significant programme improvements.”
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