Here at QRS we pride ourselves on the number of projects we have been involved with. Each Project allows us to take learnings and develop our Project Management tool box to allow us offer a better more effective and professional service to our customers.
Project Overview
One of the more personally rewarding projects that QRS are proud to have been involved was, the dismantling, moving and re-erecting of the National Rescue Helicopter Hanger at Dublin Airport. This busy rescue operation is managed by CHC on behalf of the Irish State.
This project was one of the most unique and personally gratifying projects to be involved with. The outlined contract comprised a large amount of unknown factors that needed to be overcome. These elements a considerable amount of pre investigation and due diligence. One of the most critical components of the project was that the helicopter rescue operations base at CHC Dublin Airport needed to remain fully operational at all times.
The hanger was considered a temporary structure and had resided on The Dublin Airport site for circa 20 years. The hanger was used to store and maintain the rescue helicopter as well as housing a number of internal offices. Although the initial works appeared straight forward there were a huge amount of logistical elements combined with a number of highly technical complexity involved.
The project team at QRS, front loaded the project with a considerable number of pre planning meetings with all the relevant stakeholders. The purpose of front loading the project was to understand the main requirements of each stakeholder as well as forming a technical database that all stakeholders were supportive and confident in.
All parties allowed QRS access to the operational side of the base which in turn allowed us to understand the critical elements of the CHC rescue operation. We met with Rescue Staff personally, to best realise what the significant aspects and what a successful project meant for them. The hanger was considered a very special place to all at CHC. The countless number of rescues and missions flown from the hanger was and is a real sense of pride for all the team. These unsung heroes, professional in everything they do, was clearly visible as their ethos. Their professionalism was carried out with the upmost modesty across all areas of the organisation. We considered this unsung team as our true clients.
Project Details
QRS undertook to manage the dismantling project in conjunction with Abercorn an industry leading Construction Company based in Limerick. They were the main contractor for the construction of the replacement hanger and site upgrade works. Abercorn facilitated us at every step of the way. From the initial DAA operational requirements, documentation security clearance and the dismantling process. Our safety and compliance team worked closely with Abercorn’s QESH team to realise a positive outcome.
All stakeholders including the DAA, Airport Security, CHC and CHC were professional and obliging in every aspect, to any of our questions, request for information or specific enquiries. They ensured the tightest Health & Safety protocols, risk assessments, method statements and lifting plans were not just completed but they were assessed in a culture of openness and practicality. All stages were planned and adhered to at all times. This included pre planning crane lift meetings. Advising QRS of runway usage, security protocols and potential environmental or social events that may have affected the project. There were a multiple of different departments involved in the process. Each department brought real positivity, practicality while ensuring that passenger at Dublin airport were not exposed to any risks at any time throughout the project. Each department took pride in ensuring that obstacles were worked through and overcome in a professional timely manner. Method statements and risk assessments were analysed and reanalysed to ensure the most effective and safe methods were used.
We at QRS had to devise a methodology to handle the massive 25 metres by 26 meters canopy covering the hanger superstructure. Understanding the risks of lifting a canopy this size were crucial in and Airport environment and in such an open space. We had to research methods from industries not usually considered to be part of the construction industry. The methodology was developed so that the canopy could be removed in a number of sections not as a single piece however, the canopy needed to be re-erected and the integrity of the canopy needed to be ensured or the hanger would be considered unusable.
All work carried out on site had to ensure that there was no risk of F.O.D (Foreign Object Debris). Each small step had to be planed and managed. Housekeeping was an Absolut critical element. No Debris could be left of any kind at each any point of the works. There were three F.O.D. checks per day with any remedial action immediately taken.
The methods and people involved as part of the project gained substantial problem solving and project management knowledge. This knowledge was fostered by a committed leadership team across so many different organisations such as CHC, Air Rinta, Abercorn, QRS and AMK Consulting.
Project Outcome
The total success and effectiveness of the complex project can be recognised through the lack of its impact on ground operations at Dublin Airport and CHC Irish Rescue Helicopter Services. The fact that there was no stoppages or adverse publicity as part of the project only lends itself to support the success of the project. This could only be achieved through the professional planning and work by all stakeholders involved in the project. We wish CHC continued success at the new dual hanger facility in Dublin Airport.
The QRS Team.
