Field consultant's guidance enhances safety and installation quality

By Benchmark Inc. 

A Benchmark field consultant’s quick action swapped torches for cold adhesive to ensure fire safety near perimeter walls. 

During installation, adhering to safety protocols is essential to ensure completion of projects and security of all construction team members. These regulations are maintained by everyone, but sometimes reminders are needed to keep construction sites safe for everyone. This case study explores the importance of following specified installation methods and how this installation team mitigated a potential fire risk. 

Benchmark Service: Construction Phase Services 

Issue: The crew was changing the orientation of the membrane sheets during installation and planned to continue the torch application onto the plywood-covered perimeter wall.  

Solution: The Benchmark field consultant reminded the contractor about the specified installation methods. To mitigate fire risks, the torch-down sheets needed to stop three feet away from the perimeter walls. The final three-foot section was to be finished with cold application adhesive and hand-held welders and rollers were instructed for all seam (end and side) laps. Consistent direction for the membrane sheet installation was also required for the rest of the project. 

Possible impact: The torch application must be carefully monitored to ensure proper technique and safety. Continuing with the current method up to the plywood area would have significantly increased the risk of fire damage to the facility. Altering the direction of the membrane sheet could have led to additional bridging potential at the points where the sheets intersect. Due to diligent project oversight, the contractor was prevented from deviating from the specifications, safeguarding the interests and assets of the building owner. 

Original article source: Benchmark Inc