Kingston College Generator

Scope of project

Redlands was nominated as principal contractor on this project with duties ranging from project & site management, design, installation, programming, out of hours shut down and final commissioning client liaison, progress meetings and appointment of sub-contractors for associated works. We were also responsible for client demonstrations on completion.

The purpose of the project was to install a life safety generator system to serve the evacuation lifts to core 1 & 2 of Kingston College. The generator was to be positioned on the 11^th floor of the building so a structural survey was commissioned to ensure that the loadings were correct. A steel frame was manufactured and installed which supported the generator on a slabbed roof. We commissioned a crane to lift the generator to the 11^th floor where we obtained permission to close the adjacent road whilst the generator was being hoisted into position. We replaced switchgear and made the necessary modifications to the distribution boards as necessary to support the new loads. New supply cables were installed from the generator, through the risers to the lift motor room. Bespoke containment was also installed for the external supply runs. The final component of the project was the testing on completion and handover of the H&S file and O&M Manuals.

Challenges

The position of the generator was challenging as it required lifting to the 11^th floor from a main road and positioned onto a slabbed roof. A structural survey was commissioned along with permissions from the local council for road closures.  The risers also had space restrictions, so the containment was meticulously planned for installation of the new services. Good communication and client liaison were also given great consideration for out of hours shutdowns as the college was still operating some student services.