Commissioning

In a rush to construct, commissioning needs are often overlooked until it is too late. We prepare for it and carry it out. Our expertise in commissioning covers all aspects including:

design for commissioning
commissioning execution plan
safety in commissioning
commissioning procedures.

Our experience covers commissioning of buildings, systems and sub-systems of many types and sizes. These range from small modifications to complete new facilities.

By considering commissioning at an early stage we can optimise the design to aid speedy and safe commissioning. Some examples are:

The inclusion of suitable isolation valves and test points in pipework allows commissioning of sub systems. By testing and commissioning in sub-systems it is possible to start commissioning whilst construction is still being completed on other sub systems, an essential element of fast track projects.
The clear identification of sub-systems allows construction and completion programmes to be devised to make it clear to the sub-contractor which elements of the work need to be completed in what order.

One of our key documents is the Commissioning Execution Plan which is drawn up with our clients and describes the rationale behind the commissioning. It lays down the overall methods to be followed, the sequence of commissioning and the persons responsible.

We then draw up detailed step-by-step instructions for carrying out the commissioning of each sub system. These procedures also contain the mechanism for recording the results of the commissioning.

The safe management of the transition from construction to operation is one of our major concerns in an environment where:

some elements may still be under construction whilst others are being commissioned
construction staff have become familiar with the plant during construction and the hazards presented (working at height, welding, lifting operations etc.) are suddenly faced with the same plant they have know for possibly a long period exhibiting different hazards (temperature, pressure, movement etc.).

The way we manage this is to ensure:

the commissioning execution plan considers the interaction and physical location of those sub-systems which may present additional risks
sub-contractors are aware of the plans at an early stage
before any system is moved from construction to commissioning a series of risk assessments are carried out
toolbox talks and briefings are used to communicate the changed status to all workers and practical measures such as signage and barriers to create exclusion areas are employed.

These are the detailed step-by-step instructions for carrying out the commissioning of each sub system. They also contain the mechanism for recording the results of the commissioning.