Construction is a massive task involving an incredible amount of resources, including manpower, materials, and time. It takes consistent dedication and discipline to take on a construction project and complete it on time.
However, a common and big nuisance in construction work is power outages. It’s one of the most unexpected and hectic challenges that can hinder the project schedule at length.
Still, with proper planning of resources and active supervision, you can get through this hurdle. Thus any time the power is gone, you can still ensure a minimum loss of the construction project while not exceeding the deadline too much.
Here’s a list below of eight important factors to continue construction while there’s a power disruption.
Safety Should Always Come First
It goes without saying that safety should be the top priority on the list when it comes to continuing construction during power outages. And it starts with a clear assessment.
Assess the whole construction area to identify any hazardous materials or situations. Check the power outlets, which might be critical due to a sudden power outage.
Make sure that all your site workers have put on the PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) gear. Besides, check if the emergency lights are on to move safely.
One of the preventive actions you should take to get through this challenge is to train your workers to communicate properly. It’s wise to develop a robust communication system among them to report any urgent issues timely.
What Is Your Power Backup?
One of the fundamental and considerable factors to keep the construction running during power outages is having a viable power backup system.
You may consider portable generators that may suffice your power consumption significantly. For instance, stud welding with no power supply won’t be possible during a power outage.
Also, tools like hammer drills, nail guns, impact drivers, and so many others are essential in your construction site. Powering them up when there’s an electricity interruption will be easy with a backup power system.
Moreover, you must ensure backup generators to supply power to critical construction equipment. Check on the necessary fuel supply for the generators so you’re not out of wits during a power outage.
Make Communication Easy
During a power outage, many construction sites may struggle to get the right report of the critical situation. This is clearly due to a lack of communication skills in workers.
Hence, develop effective communication throughout the construction site. Introduce walkie-talkies or a radio system that you can use without a centralized power source.
Each person on the site, including engineers, supervisors, workers, security guards, etc., should be well-equipped with communication tools. This way, you can ensure your construction isn’t compromised during power outages.
Ensure Data Backup and Recovery
Today, construction sites are greatly dependent on technology. You can’t rely on anything but a robust digital system for your project planning, design, and management.
So, invest in a solid data backup and recovery system to avoid any loss or deletion of data during a sudden blackout. It’s highly recommended because protecting your construction documents and plans is essential to carry on the project till completion.
You may consider cloud-based data backup and recovery solutions to save and access your important documents in critical situations. Cloud-based systems are undoubtedly a proven construction project strategy nowadays.
Consider Weather Condition
It’s a common thing that bad weather conditions may lead to power outages in many buildings, complexes, or construction sites. So, measuring the weather is a necessary factor for ongoing construction at this stage.
Consider listening to weather forecasts to plan in advance. This way, you can avert many critical problems during a power disruption at the construction site.
You may arrange temporary tents or tarps to shield your site from rain. Many valuable materials will be saved, and electrical tools won’t come in contact with water. Undesired accidents will be averted.
Ensure Storage of Materials
There are valuable yet vulnerable materials in construction sites that require constant temperature in place to stay in shape. Power outages can fluctuate the temperature, hence, downgrading the materials.
So, make sure things like wood, sand, glass, paint, cement, etc., are preserved in a controlled zone to safeguard their condition. Make sure those materials don’t lose moisture due to a blackout.
Besides, consider shielding your construction materials with oilcloths where necessary.
Stay in Touch with Utility Providers
It’s a wise move to connect with the local utility providers to stay abreast of the power supply or power restoration updates during a power outage.
You better stay informed of the expected time for the return of the electricity. It will help you and your team to plan ahead for the rest of the day on the project, along with an updated schedule for the next day.
Many developer companies stay in touch with utility companies to get power back to the construction site when the electricity is available again.
Regulatory Compliance Is Necessary Too
When considering continued construction during a power outage, don’t forget about regulatory compliance. Be on top of the legal and regulatory requirements for a construction site when it faces an electricity shortage.
States may vary in implementing these rules, but on common grounds, you have to take environmental protection, working hours, safety measures, construction site wiring, etc., into account while planning to go on during an insufficient power supply.
Make sure that you comply with these regulations. Otherwise, your desire to carry on the construction work during a power outage may backfire in the form of legal hassles.
Final Words
Construction is now heavily dependent on power supply. However, the project may be hindered due to irregular or insufficient power supply at times. That’s why learning and implementing these eight factors should suffice your needs.
Coordinating with all the necessary factors in this article can save you from material damage, fatal injuries, and legal cases. So, take required actions based on them to seamlessly continue construction during a power outage.
