In part 1 of this series we explored structural & fireproofing evaluations and risk assessment. In part 2 of this series, we focus on safety features and implications, the definition of ‘Safe’, and risk tolerance. In this final part, we will talk about budget and process.
Theme 3: With so many structures and fireproofing, where do we begin? How do I budget for this?
A large industrial facility can have well over 1,000,000 lineal feet of steel and concrete structures and over 100 acres of steel floor plate or grating. Depending on quality of original construction, maintenance investment over the years, and many other factors, these structures are often in various states of deterioration and it can feel a bit overwhelming where to begin. Further, at most facilities, structural and fireproofing reliability has not historically been an area of maintenance focus. We are seeing a considerable number of facilities becoming aware of some of the more obvious risks and financial implications but are addressing issues in a reactive mode as opposed to proactive mode. Operating reactively leads to ever-increasing risk and financial strain that facilities want to break free from but may not know how and are always restrained financially. Brindley Engineering is highly accustomed to developing phased approaches to the evaluation, prioritization, and annual coordination of structural and fireproofing reliability programs, and developing budgetary guidelines for the achievement of the facilities goals. Our structural and fireproofing programs provide long-term plans that are practical, cost-conscious, effective, and provide a clear cost-benefit analysis to support funding requests.
Process
Historically, many facilities have only responded to problems as they occurred instead of being proactive in their prevention. The response-based approach to structural and fireproofing deficiencies leads to substantially greater economic and safety problems with each passing year as the amount of underlying damage accelerates over time. The rate of degradation will reach a turning point where it will start to grow exponentially. Once this occurs, the amount of degradation can severely impact maintenance costs and increase the risk of incidents. It is far more economical and safer to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to any structural and fireproofing maintenance and reliability program.
Budget
On the financial side, we understand that there are many competing priorities to structural and fireproofing maintenance and funding is always an issue for any structural and fireproofing program or project, new or existing. Understanding that resources are constrained, Brindley Engineering can provide plans that are budget based. Alternatively, after an initial plant assessment, we can provide recommendations for alternative budgets that are based on various goals and level of risk tolerance, that we help a facility understand, define and benchmark to their peers.
Brindley Engineering’s reliability and maintenance engineers have established and executed structural & fireproofing programs for clients through the United States and beyond for nearly two decades. We have systematic methods that have been well developed, tested, and proven over this timespan and look forward to the opportunity to help your facility getting a program budgeted and implemented.
- Click here to read Part 1 of How to Cut Through the Smoke
- Click here to read Part 2 of How to Cut Through the Smoke
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