Air hygiene cannot be classed as a glamorous industry in itself but even the most glamorous venues need their ductwork cleaned regularly to meet Health & Safety regulations. Swiftclean is currently working at one of the most prestigious and recognisable venues in the world - The Savoy Hotel in London's theatre district.
Owned by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, The Savoy has been closed since January 2008 for a £100 million restoration project - the most expensive refurbishment in London's history.
There are approximately 900 workers on site working around the clock to complete the project by the second quarter of 2010.
The Savoy aims to become the most environmentally responsible luxury hotel in London and has already received two prestigious environmental awards. It will have a new eco-programme involving sophisticated water reduction and energy saving equipment, low-energy lighting, waste management and comprehensive recycling. The contractors working on site must meet these exacting standards and achieve every new regulation.
Swiftclean, the Essex-based air and water hygiene specialist, has been contracted by Spie Matthew Hall to clean the ductwork and carry out general ventilation hygiene work throughout the whole of The Savoy. All ductwork is being cleaned to HVCA TR/19, and with Swiftclean operating systems in line with ISO 14001 resulting in an unparalleled healthy environment for the Savoy guests.
Nearing completion
Swiftclean's senior project supervisor, Lee Coker has been working at The Savoy since May 2009. For the last three months he has been there every day as the project nears completion.
'One of the biggest challenges has been in moving our equipment around the hotel,' says Coker. 'Imagine hundreds of contractors moving their tools around in the lifts and up and down the stairs.
'If it weren't controlled, there would be chaos. So every time any contractor wants to use a lift, he has to apply for a permit. Sometimes Swiftclean has to apply for five or six permits a day and this can add a couple of hours on to a job as there is only one area in the building where these are given out.
Timing is key when working on large projects
'Timings are critical on such a massive project as this. If you're scheduled to clean some high level ductwork and the scaffolding was removed the day before, then the work can't be completed until the scaffolding is returned. The knock-on effect can have all sorts of implications so it has been imperative that programmes are adhered to'.
Complex costings
Jim Burdon, Swiftclean's account manager for this project. works with the client and Swiftclean's contract team to resolve issues.
'To cost each part of the Savoy project is extremely complex because of the number of alterations to the internal structure of the building that have happened during the years,' says Burdon. 'It takes the combined extensive experience of our team to cost the job correctly.
'It is vital a thorough survey is carried out as early as possible so service proposals can be created, purchase orders raised and site staff allocated by the contracts team to meet critical client deadlines,' he adds.
'Also, continuity of site staff is important as there is a half day induction for every new person on site.
'Once the operational team are on site, it makes economic sense to keep them there for as long as possible. Putting new men on the job increases costs as the time spent on the induction course is time that could be spent working.'
One of the most high profile areas Swiftclean has been working in has been The Savoy Grill which will shortly return under the operation of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. Ramsay has a reputation as demanding the highest standards in every area of his restaurants. Every inch of the ductwork has been cleaned fastidiously ensuring that no-one from the Swiftclean team incurs the wrath of Gordon Ramsay himself!
18 February 2010