Putting the safety of construction workers first and protecting the important Maine Medical Center in Portland during its largest and most extensive expansion to date, was a top priority for Turner Construction Company. The use of wireless technology solution provider Ramtech, and its WES3 fire evacuation detection system, provided much-needed ‘peace of mind’ during the third construction phase of the $588.4 million project.
The ambitious Maine Medical Center expansion is now in its third construction phase due for completion in early 2024, which includes a 270,000-square-foot inpatient tower with 96 beds and 19 procedure rooms, as well as a universal room concept to achieve flexibility and reduce the possibility of future renovations.
This phase adds to the rest of the completed works, including a three-story expansion to Maine’s campus visitor parking garage offering 225 additional spaces, a two-story expansion to the East Tower and a 110,000-square-foot medical office building for neuroscience, vascular surgery and ENT, as well as a 2,450-space car parking garage for staff.
Area EHS Manager for Turner Construction, Sean Ryan needed to find a solution that would work within the constraints of the project.
Sean said: “With work ongoing for a considerable length of time, it was important to find a fire safety and emergency evacuation solution that would adapt as the site progressed. The wireless element of the Ramtech WES3 system has so far enabled this. Able to move around with ease, it has also been an advantage to be able to connect to third party equipment to integrate with other safety applications on the project.”
Safeguarding the site
Ramtech successfully installed 15 WES3 units across the site, with scope for more in the future as the project moves forward and requires more coverage. This is quickly achievable as the WES3 eliminates the need for a hardwired power source and there is no wired panel required as with most other similar systems. Each unit is powered by a battery with a three-year life under normal use to secure the job site during all phases of construction, as is the case for the Maine Medical Center.
Sean said he found the technology to be a positive alternative to the traditional method of airhorns. His understanding of site safety gained through 12 years in the industry, led him to seek out a more modern and sophisticated form of protection in the form of the WES3, which offers constant protection. This means that no matter the time or place the fire can be detected and communicated to personnel via the use of secure radio frequencies.
Sean added: “The main concern with using a safety method such as airhorns or a temporary hard-wired horn or strobe system, is the control aspect – they are easily lost, can be used for the wrong reasons, and this technology eliminates those concerns. To control false alarms before, the general contractor would often limit alarm activation to management only, and rely on phone or radio communication from the field, then activate the alarm. With WES, anyone can activate the alarm, notify the entire general contractor staff and confirm the event. This is an important safety culture item to empower all trade people onsite. I’d be happy to continue using the system for as long as the project is in motion, as it provides peace of mind and a secure environment for the site, its workers and the surrounding locations.”
John Tyrer, sales director from Ramtech, said: “The WES3 solution is the only completely wireless fire evacuation system on the market today. Both practical and efficient, the unit delivers full 4G connectivity, enabling fast, offsite 24/7 communications in case of emergency.
“It was great to be able to work with Sean on this major expansion project, which will see improved facilities for many. Providing adequate protection was not only important for the construction but for the wider community and we are pleased WES3 has been able to deliver a reliable solution for the client.”
Colliers Project Leaders is delivering comprehensive project management on the scheme and is working closely with Turner Construction, Perkins & Will, Thornton Tomasetti, Consigli Construction and SMRT to deliver the expansion.