What is the Method Statement of Dampers and Sound Attenuators Installation?
The method statement of dampers and sound attenuators describes the installation of a volume control damper, fire damper, motorized smoke fire damper, sound attenuators, and related accessories as executed in a safe manner and in accordance with the project specifications.
All quality assurance and quality control activities are carried out in a systematic manner where works are inspected to specified conformance and documented for the project.
Table of Contents
References
This method statement is subject to the requirements as stated in the following regulatory & statutory documents, applicable standards, specifications, and building codes:
SMACNA, ASHRAE
Project Specification
Sheet Metal Work – Insulation
Relevant Sections of NFPA
Project-approved IFC/shop drawings & approved materials
Definitions
MS – Method Statement
QCP – Quality Control Procedures
IFC – Issued For Construction
ITP – Inspection and Test Plan
ITA – Independent Testing Agency
MEP – Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
HSE – Health, Safety & Environment
PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
VCD – Volume Control Damper
FD – Fire Damper
AD – Access Door
MSFD – Motorized Smoke Fire Damper
NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
SMACNA – Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
ASHRAE – American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Access
Works will be started or carried out only when all associated main contractor’s procedures are completed and by ensuring safe access to work areas will be available through hoist lifts/access ladders to carry out the work where ever main contractor site engineers & safety officers clearance is available.
Logistics
MEP subcontractor will deploy a dedicated team for the required logistics and materials moving in and out.
Methodology
Storage of Materials
Store materials in a protected dry location in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect them from mechanical damage or weather effects etc.
Only required materials are to be shifted to the site and stored temporarily and ensure extra materials are not dumped on site and congested the working area.
Consumable materials are to be stored in a small cabinet with a lock and it is under the MEP contractor’s responsibility.
To ensure that deterioration of the dampers and sound attenuators does not occur during storage, it is imperative that the following recommendations are adhered to:
Loose dampers and sound attenuators: Dampers and sound attenuators should be stacked on a flat surface free from sharp projections, stones, or other protuberances likely to cause point loading or deformation
Material arrival at the site shall be offloaded carefully at the site by the site engineer/site supervisor using the necessary manpower and required equipment to ensure that no damage.
Checked to ensure that they comply with the approved material submittal in terms of make, model, type, country of origin, etc.
Any discrepancies, damage, etc. found will be notified and reported for future action.
The material found not suitable for the site will be removed immediately from the site and the same will be replaced by the correct item
Stacks should be protected from weather elements by means of placing tarpaulins or similar sheets over them securely fixed to the timber support posts, in order to provide protected and shaded conditions.
Dampers and sound attenuators should be stored in sheltered conditions that are protected from weather elements and accidental damage.
All delivered dampers and sound attenuators shall be inspected prior to proceeding with installation.
Preparation
Ensure that all materials to be used and equipment to be installed should be as per the equipment datasheet and as per the approved drawing.
Clean internally the dampers and sound attenuators prior to and during installation.
Clean the work area and make it properly ready for starting the mechanical work & safety tools to be available on-site worker’s goggles mask.
Lay down area at the site to be coordinated and arrangements to be made for unloading and/or mobilization of materials.
The working area shall be delimited by a ribbon along and around the working area during the installation process.
Once work is completed extra materials and tools are to be returned back to stores, and the work area is to be kept clean.
Method of Installation Volume Control Damper
Ensure that VCD shall conform in their entity with standards detailed in the manual of the sheet metal and air conditioning contractors, and national association.
Select the VCD type or model suitable for damper mounting (vertical or horizontal) before installation work.
Ensure the other VCD components have no visible damage & all linkages are working properly.
VCD blade orientation shall be checked before being installed. Unless specify. The damper must be mounted with a blade axis horizontal.
Ensure the lever for controlling the VCD should be free to move without any obstruction.
Using manual lift depending on the weight/size at a high level, mark the position of the angle flange of VCD and duct.
Drill the flange of the VCD with a portable hand-drilling machine and make sure that the holes are properly aligned.
Assemble the VCD to ductwork, if necessary alignment shall be done to prevent distortion.
Fit the flange cleat or clip to compress the flange profile together. As shown in Figure 8, finally tighten the corner nut and set screws.
Manually move the volume control damper (VCD) to the desired position in a way that the damper channel frame matches the duct flange.
All VCD shall be left in a fully open position for initial balancing.
Location, type & sizes of VCDs shall be as per approved shop drawings and shall be installed inaccessible locations. Any additional VCDs required for balancing shall be provided as recommended by the specialist.
Method of Installation Fire Damper and Access Door
Ensure that the fire damper shall conform in their entity with NFPA 90A and shall meet the fire damper standards detailed in the manual of the sheet metal and air conditioning contractors, national Association Inc. (SMACNA)
Checking site condition of the installation area and wall or floor opening size and location to install fire damper.
Select the fire damper type or model suitable for damper mounting (vertical or horizontal) and verify the fire compartment rating before installation work.
Using mobile scaffolding lift a high level, and fix retaining angles to one side of the fire damper onto the damper sleeve.
Install the fire damper using the manual lift on the opening depending on the weight /size and
Ensuring that level and airflow direction are in the correct position and as per the approved drawings.
Fix the retaining angles onto the sides of the fire dampers. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the installation of retaining angles.
Do not fasten the fire damper and all retaining angles to the wall or floor opening.
Join the fire damper to ductwork.
Cut the duct as per the size of the access door and ensure an appropriate location for testing and maintenance purposes. Access doors shall be selected as per duct sizes.
Fix and install the access door as per the approved manufacturer’s instruction.
Method of Installation Motorized Fire Damper
Ensure that MSFD shall conform in their entity with NFPA 90A and shall meet the fire damper standards detailed in the manual of the sheet metal and air conditioning contractors, national association Inc. (SMACNA)
Checking site condition of associated builder’s work and wall opening size and location to install fire damper.
Select the MSFD type or model suitable for damper mounting and fire compartment rating before installation work.
Check the correct airflow direction of MSFD before it is mounted in the wall opening.
Using mobile scaffolding Lift at a high level, and fix retaining angles to one side of MSFD onto the damper sleeve.
Install the MSFD using the manual lift on the opening depending on the weight /size and ensure that the level and airflow direction are in the correct position and as per the approved drawings.
Fix the other retaining angles onto the other side fire damper.
Do not fasten the MSFD sleeve and all retaining angles to the wall opening.
Join the MSFD to ductwork.
Cut the duct as per the size of the access door and ensure an appropriate location for testing and maintenance purposes. Access doors shall be selected as per duct sizes.
Fix and install the access door as per the approved manufacturer’s instruction.
Method of Installation Sound Attenuators
Ensure that the sound attenuator type or model is as per the approved schedule.
Using mobile scaffolding, mark the location of the sound attenuators and install the support as per the dimension schedule.
Lift the sound attenuator using manual lift depending on the weight/size at a high level and palletizer lift at a low level.
Mark the position of the angle flange of the sound attenuator’s connection to the ductwork.
Assemble the sound attenuator to ductwork if necessary alignment shall be done to prevent distortion. Assembly shall be done as per approved typical installation details.
Fit the flange cleat or clip to compress the flange profile together. Finally, tighten the corner nut and set the screws/machine bolts.
Responsibilities
Project Manager
The Project Manager has the overall responsibility for the implementation of this quality control procedure. He is also responsible for the safety to be carried out according to the safety requirements of the project.
Construction Manager
The construction manager is responsible for the work execution in compliance with the approved method statement, HSE Risk Assessment, and project specification, issued for construction drawings, sections, and details
Project Engineer/Site Engineer
He shall be responsible for complying with the requirement of the quality control procedure. He shall be responsible for the safety and quality execution of the complete activities and confirming the installation locations from the schedule of approved IFC drawings.
QA/QC Engineer
He shall be responsible for applying requests for inspection and assuring the consultants that the particular area was installed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and approved IFC drawings. Ensuring that approved work methods and materials are being used and in conformance with Project Technical Specification.
Safety Engineer
The safety engineer will be responsible for the safety, health, and environmental aspects on site as per the project safety and environmental requirements/safety standards in coordination with the project engineer and construction manager.
Health & Safety Hazards
MEP subcontractor will comply with all safety measures as applicable to the project’s main safety requirements and follow approved HSE plans.
Make sure all employees are safely inducted before they can start work on-site.
Make sure employees take the right equipment with them on site. Check they have been trained and know how to use it.
Keep available, records of hazards on particular sites. Make sure all relevant people are notified.
Helmets, steel toe-capped safety boots, goggles, high visibility jackets, face masks, and overalls should be appropriate and in good condition.
Assess the risks of manual handling before going to the site and look at the materials being used or stored.
Lighting devices shall be set up at the work area and ensure the required Lux is available during the night shift.
The lifting area should be barricaded and appropriate signboards are fixed to warn and avoid unauthorized entry.
Copies of the drivers/operator’s license vehicle registration and security pass are to be submitted to the company’s safety department before commencing the work.
All moving cranes/equipment shall have reverse indicators. All major equipment and crane shall be tested and certified by Third-party prior to mobilization to the site.
Ample and unobstructed passage shall be maintained at all times in and around the truck loading and lifting space.
All equipment movement at the job site must be controlled by a third-party certified rigger/banksman.
Trained, competent, and authorized supervision present at all times to ensure workers are safely working on site
All site teams strictly follow the recommendations/instructions given in the risk assessment and safety analysis.
Site engineer and safety officers to ensure that all the people are wearing required PPE and following safety procedures.
All personnel is required to wear clothing appropriate for the work being performed.
Persons working near moving machinery must prevent clothing and body parts from being caught by moving components.
Only trained persons shall use hand, air, or electrical tools.
Damaged or defective tools are to be taken out of service, tagged “Do Not Operate”, and stored in a controlled area until appropriate repairs have been made.
All working areas shall be encircled by warning tapes and signboards in place before the commencement of work.
Access and exit routes are to be unobstructed and labeled and known to all employees at the site.
Permits and Certificates
HSE Permits and Certifications (as per activity requirements) – These should correlate with the activity Risk Assessment.
Permit To Work (Prior to starting an activity)
Hot work permit
Lifting Plan
Confined space
Working at heights / Working on scaffolding or MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) – Third-party certification for workers (competency certificates), operators, and equipment.
Site Night Works
Shall ensure that this procedure is implemented at any night shift activities.
Provide instructions in regard to the movement of vehicles within the areas of work.
Ensure that adequate barriers are provided around areas where hazards may exist and that such hazards are clearly lit.
Ensure that the lighting provided is adequate and that personnel is not working in the shadows.
Perform regular inspection and maintenance of lighting equipment (as directed by field supervision).
Ensure that all lighting equipment installed has been checked and certified in accordance with local procedure or building code requirements.
Make sure that cables and other materials are located in a way that prevents trip hazards.
All points of exit, pathways, and muster points shall be clearly illuminated and marked.
Ladder access and egress shall be clearly illuminated.
Lightening poles and other metal poles shall be earthed (grounded) and the circuit fitted with residual current devices.
All lighting fixtures shall be installed in a secure manner to prevent accidental movement or falling.
Temporary installations shall meet all the requirements of the National Electrical Code, or applicable local code.
Site engineer and safety officer to ensure that all the people are wearing required PPE and following safety procedures.
Working in extreme heat and humidity procedure
PPE must still be worn /used regardless of the weather conditions.
Monitor temperature, humidity, and workers’ physical response to environmental conditions.
Identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for workers working in extreme temperatures.
Ensure that work is undertaken in compliance with the approved procedure.
Ensure that scheduled periodic inspections are undertaken to ensure the requirements of this procedure are being met.
Ensure that work conducted in extreme temperatures is supervised by a competent person.
Provide instructions/toolbox talk and training for working in extreme temperatures.
Train employees to recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Ensure workers drink an adequate amount of water.
Rotate the personnel regularly / during rest periods.
Training
All required training for stipulated installation activities is provided to all technical staff for ensuring quality workmanship during installation.
Working Hours
Site operational time shall be followed as per project progress requirements, and all relevant local authority schedules of holidays are to be observed.
Housekeeping
Working areas will be kept clean by disposing of the waste materials at the designated areas. At the end of the day’s work, the installation supervisor will ensure that the debris is disposed of properly.
Manpower Requirement
Subject to the main contractor’s program and scope/area available for MEP activities, but not limited to below:
Chargehands
Ductfitters
Assistant fitters
Ductman
Insulators
Helpers
Material Requirement
Ensure materials being used are of approved manufacturer/material submittal from the project vendor list and of quality as specified (GI sheet metal ducts, Insulation materials-duct fittings, and accessories required –gaskets/adhesive glue/solvent stick-up pins, etc.).
Plant & Equipment
Mobile scaffolding, cap lock scaffolding, Platform ladder, Step ladder
Hand Tools (Hammer, wrenches, setting tool with handguard)
Spirit Level
Hand Drilling Machine
Hammer Drilling Machine
Sealant Gun
Spanner set box
Allen key set
Palletizer Jack
QC Approval Documents
Follow the approved Method Statement, ITP, QCP, HSE Plan, Material Approval & Checklist.
Supporting Documents
This Method Statement of Dampers and Sound Attenuators Installation is to be read in conjunction with the below-referenced documents
Contract specification & approved drawings
Project Quality Plan
HSE Plan
Approved Value Engineering
Attachments
Risk Assessment
Inspection & Test Plan
Quality Control Checklists