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Posted By lonergan1234
Can anyone advise.
I work for a building contractor in Southern Ireland. On a current project we are acting as PSCS and also main contractor. Next week we have a nominated (by client) sub-contrector on site driving piles. My problem is the proximity to existing structures which are very old buildings. Piling will take place within 3m of existing structures. Sub-contractor will carry out risk assessment and provide method statement 3 days prior to commencing work. Personally i cant see any outcome but a residual high risk. However if sub-contractor supplies a low outcome and is permitted by management ( my boss) to go ahead with work, who is liable if existing structures
collapse or if a member of the public is hit by fallen debris. This particular issue was not highlighted by PSDS.
I hope i have explained this adequately.
regards
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Posted By steven bentham
If you cause injury, all involved will be closely examined to see that they carried out their responsbilities.
It is not the risk assessment paperwork that makes it safe - you've not mentioned if a competent engineer is involved?
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Posted By CFT
Are these premises occupied while you are piling? Or, is your concern (quite rightly so) for the structural integrity of said buildings? Where you state 'member of the public' is this in occupancy or passers by? If the latter you can deal with that.
Apologies for the questions to your post but I just want to get a better feel for it per se.
CFT
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Posted By lonergan1234
My concern is primarily for the occupants of the adjacent buildings. As you say passers by is easily dealt with.
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Posted By cathal
Hi Lonergan
It is always our policy to carry out a conditioning survey of the surrounding buildings prior to undertaking any structural work (excavations, piling etc). If you think of it logically the P/Contractors specialist contractor is The piling company carrying out the work on his behalf so it is thier responsibility to ensure the intigrity of the work along with the structural engineer and the CDM,c which is paramount in this situation, however due to the proximity of the surrounding buildings then CFA (continuous flight Auger piles should be used within the proximity of the closest buildings. However if piles are required for this build then it will tell you that the make up of the surrounding buildings are probably on piles as well it may be worth checking ground conditions in these areas.
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Posted By steve e ashton
Lonergan:
If the piling contractor has been nominated by the client then effectively they have taken responsibility for the selection and competence assessment of the contractor: this (should) effectively absolve the principal contractor from any liability. (Provided your company co-operates and provides information.)
PSDS should have picked this issue up early on - but it doesn't have to be a particular problem.
If your main concern is for the effects of vibration caused by cable percussion piling, then your concern may be unfounded: Rotary cored piles or high-frequency drive piles generate a lot less vibration and are less likely to destabilise the adjacent earth / structures. Not suitable for all ground conditions, and a lot depends on the specific site layout. A competent piling contractor should be able to design the work so that adjacent structures remain unaffected.
If they don't, and something bad happens - then it is directly the piling contractors liability, with the client holding 'next in line' up the chain...
Hope this helps.
Steve
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