An ounce of prevention … pays
Good planning goes a long way – and pays off. That is particularly true as far as environmental protection, health management and occupational safety (EHS) are concerned, as organizations like Metro de Medellín in Colombia are realizing.
“The health and safety management system was managed by Siemens during the execution of the project with great commitment, diligence and opportunity. This was evidenced by the organization and planning of work in which security was always integrated strategically. Also, I should highlight the availability and implementation of recommendations made by us, which shows the interest linked to the culture of our organization,” explains Patricia García Pizarro – Risk Management Empresa de Transporte Masivo del Valle de Aburra Ltda.
Extending the lifeline of a pulsating metropolis
The metro system of the city of Medellin plays a key role for the development and entrepreneurship of Colombia’s second largest metropolitan area with some 3.5 million inhabitants. To keep pace with the rapid growth of the city, the Line A metro system urgently needed an extension. The project called for the addition of three new metro stations (SEP Sabaneta, SEP La Estrella and SET La Estrella) over a 2.6-kilometer distance.
Having been part of the consortium that originally built the first metro system in 1988, Siemens participated in the international tender between many competitors. The scope of delivery included the design, supply, commissioning and start-up of the power and control systems for the new stations. It also called for the coordination and supervision of all subcontractor activities.
Already during the bidding process for the Line A metro system of the city of Medellín, Colombia, EHS performance proved a key factor.
Early involvement in the project
Already during the bidding process, EHS performance proved a key factor. Security, safety and environmental safeguards are top priorities for the Metro de Medellín company. All prospective contractors were asked to submit an EHS requirement matrix, also documentation of general company health and safety guidelines as well as internal EHS standards. Siemens was awarded the contract. The EHS documentation among other features submitted played a relevant role in the decision.
After winning the contract, a meeting was scheduled with the client to coor-dinate EHS activities. An audit plan outlining EHS procedures for each project phase was created along with a daily control checklist. Risk analysis meetings, site surveys and managerial inspections were set up. Incidents were analyzed and discussed in safety meetings and corrective actions taken. Also, an EHS report was compiled for the customer at the end of each project phase.
Leaving nothing to chance
Siemens technicians were responsible for performing all of the high-voltage work as well as tasks that involved working at heights (e.g. excavation near the river, cabling work). Special protective equipment was provided to reduce employee exposure to related hazards.
Project management also involved the coordination of all subcontractor activities in line with customer and Siemens safety guidelines. EHS requirements accounted for 30% of the subcontractor selection criteria and stipulated ISO 14000 and OSHAS (Occupational Health- and Safety Assessment Series) 18000 certifications. In addition, an EHS working plan was defined to consolidate subcontractor training. Weekly meetings were organized with Unión Eléctrica, the primary subcontractor, to monitor progress, verify fulfillment of time schedules and plan next activities.
Fulfilling special challenges
Because metro transportation had to be upheld during the construction work, all of the tasks involving the high-voltage electrical systems had to be conducted at night between 11 pm and 4 am. Workshops were organized and an EHS plan with strict safety requirements developed. Special pre-cautions also had to be taken to ensure that all tools and equipment were removed at the end of every shift.
The project affirms the famous Benjamin Franklin quote: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The EHS measures taken to safeguard the health and well-being of all project stakeholders proved highly effective.
