RAAF Tri-Mets Testing Upgrade

The Department of Defence identified a requirement to upgrade the existing Engine Testing Facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh (Adelaide). The facilities are to be used for the purposes of testing C130 AND P3 QECU's prior to installation on the aircraft.

McMahon Services undertook the main construction phase for the Edinburgh facility, including establishment of the new concrete apron complete with underground services, new drainage, and connection to existing service infrastructure on the base, as well as the incorporation of Aerotest supplied infrastructure into the works.

McMahon Services were responsible for compliance with the PMP, and associated management and safety plans including all personnel inductions. As a result during various stages of this project McMahon Services were audited by the Federal Safety Commissioner, Spotless, and the Australian Construction Commissioner. Through each audit McMahon Services were commended on their compliance with all plans in place, including:

• Site Access / Egress requirements and restrictions
• Nature of works being undertaken on the site
• Use of  JSAs / SWIs for the site
• FOD issues related to the site
• Toolbox meetings
• Exclusion Zones
• Location of site accommodation and amenities
• Political sensitivity of the project
• Emergency / Accident Procedures
• Accident Incident reporting responsibilities
• Project Safety & Environment Plan
• McMahon Services Quality, Environmental and Safety Policy Statements
• Visitors program and induction

The formulation of these plans enabled the McMahon Services Site Safety Officer to execute duties on-site maintaining agreed high standards in accordance with the Project Safety and Environment Plan for this project. Site safety was of high importance and is reflected by zero injuries or incidents recorded for the duration of project. Spotless were especially pleased by the close attention to managing risks, compliance and presentation of the site. Clear and effective lines of communication were the key to the delivery of this successful project.

In-house Project Management

An important responsibility for McMahon Services is playing a leading role in consulting with the client and other stakeholders ensuring all are involved in the construction process and client receives cost effective and high quality service. McMahon Services are in a unique position being able to provide Project Management Services including Site Management and OHS&E Management.

A Project Management team is convenient when drawings issued at contract by clients and engineers are found to be inadequate in design detail for a complex project, as was the case on this project. Numerous revisions were revised and reissued by McMahon's to allow program construction to proceed. The data integrity directly influenced when construction could take place, organising of subcontractors and delivery of resources. Project management was a major factor in ensuring project stages were executed on-time. Many hours of intense scrutiny by McMahon's personnel ensured this was delivered.

McMahon Services recommended and received approval for revised designs further improving constructions. For example, the suggestion of placing the MSB enclosure and Compressor shed on concrete plinths avoided rainwater enter these areas, protecting installed infrastructure. To remain flexible with data and design integrity, close relationships with the consultants and clients were developed to meet the demands of the program changes without delay.