Gainey’s has a contracting team where we can install the sewer treatment plants and lift stations we produce. We have some tips to ensure maximizing efficiency during installation.
Create a Goal
A week before the installation, have a quick meeting with your crew to establish your installation goal for each job. When it comes to installing products, typically, there is an estimated time frame in the job’s quote for how long it will take to install the system. During these meetings, the team should take the quoted data and details of the job to make an educated evaluation for an installation time frame goal. For example, Job 626 was quoted to be installed within five days. Keeping the job details in mind, the crew works together and concludes with a three-day installation goal. Job details include how many tanks there are, crew size, prepping work needs, etc. When you create a goal, if it is communicated with the crew, your goal is most likely to be met.
Prepare Before Installation
Before installation, there is prep work that needs to be done to maximize efficiency. It is crucial to make sure the site is ready before delivery. Is the site big enough for the needed equipment, is the ground dry, and can all the proper trucks get in and out of the site smoothly? All these details need to be discussed and checked before arriving on site. Also, make sure that the crew has all the materials and items they need before the day of delivery. Create a load checklist of all the accessories and tools that are needed for the job and use this checklist when loading for the delivery. A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) should be completed outlining the potential hazards of the job. Some other details that need to be checked beforehand include: confirming that the excavator can handle the size of the product, planning out man-hours, creating a schedule, and making sure all the rigging is inspected and ready to go. The job and all the details with it should be reviewed and checked on paper before going out to physically install.
Stick to a Schedule
During the preparation period for installation, the crew should have mapped out a schedule for each day on site. For example, let’s go over what Gainey’s first installation day schedule looks like. First, the foreman lays out the site and starts shooting elevation numbers while the leadman and crew start prepping the tanks. Second, the crew migrates to their designated positions for excavation. From here, everything is ready and prepared for an efficient installation. It is important to reinforce your schedule. Follow through with the plan that was created for the specific job and keep the crew accountable! With that being said, always be aware of the heat index and make sure the crew is taking breaks and staying hydrated. The safety of your team is most important.
Follow Up Meeting about Maximizing Efficiency During Installation
After the job is finished and closed out, there should be a follow-up meeting to go over how the job went. Compare the job quote to how the job truly performed. Go over what hours were over or under and how the crew can approve for next time. Were there any surprises that have never been accounted for before? For example, our crew was installing a sewer treatment plant one time, and as they were digging, they uncovered an underground house. This is an unexpected occurrence that they could have never accounted for beforehand. Going over the job after closeout will help maximize efficiency.
Contact Us
Brandon McKinney, Gainey’s Field Operations Manager, has been working for Gainey’s for over 19 years! If you have any questions about installation tips and tricks, contact him. While you are here on our website, check out what we do!