色多多视频 loss data over the past 10 years shows that water damage has become a leading cause of Builder’s Risk claims. Whether from external sources (rain, ground water, flash flooding, etc.) or internal sources (water escape or fluid release), water damage has a significant impact on a construction project. In addition to the physical loss, water damage usually impacts the project schedule. In this era of increasing deductibles, accelerated schedules, and contract penalties, even relatively small water incidents can result in large losses. Although higher deductibles generally reduce insurance premiums, contractors may face an unexpected expense when water damage occurs. Water damage incidents may also have a negative effect on the contractor’s ability to obtain repeat business from an unhappy owner.
So, what can you do about it? It’s all about prevention. The best protection from water losses is through taking proactive measures to avoid water damage.
Prevention is the best protection, and prevention requires a plan.
Early in the process of starting a project, contractors should review the specific water damage exposures presented by each project as described in the following paragraphs. Methods to mitigate and reduce these exposures should be developed and funding for them included in the project budget.
Ground water and weather related events are typically a concern early in the construction project during excavation and foundation activities. Preventing these types of losses requires analysis of the unique exposures presented by each project site. Increased attention to early site grading and provision of storm water drains to divert water away from the building can help prevent flash flood, erosion and subsidence claims. Ensuring redundant capacity for dewatering systems (i.e. generators, pumps, etc.) can prevent losses caused by equipment failure.
Water intrusion and water escape become primary concerns once the building structure is complete and the MEP systems and finish materials are being installed. After the building is dried-in, almost every water event will result in a significant loss because of the accumulation of value and schedule impact. At the same time, preventing water damage becomes more difficult because work inside the building is not readily visible, more trades and workers are involved, and there are multiple sources of water.
Water intrusion usually results from weather or external sources of water entering through the building envelope. In high rise buildings, building envelopes may have required openings for hoists and cranes that can be difficult to seal. Before the envelope is complete, and where exterior openings are unavoidable, installing temporary closures (i.e. tarps, panels, etc.) and temporary flashing or curbs, such as water dams, around all interior floor openings will help keep water from migrating to other floors via gravity.
Sources of water escape
Water escape usually results from the processes used to install, test, and fill internal building systems. Some potential sources of water escape are:
In addition to the “system” sources of water above, the following trades may also create potential sources of water escape:
Spray fireproofing (water for mising)
Interior masonry (water for mortar mixing and wet saw)
Flooring and tile (water for wet saw and mixing grout)
Painting and wallcovering (paint, water for mixing and application)
Swimming pool, spa and stucco (water for mixing materials and filling the pool)
Hosed used to convey water
One method for preventing water escape is controlling access to water sources. This can be accomplished through the inclusion of isolation valves allowing water to be shut off to specific areas within the building or a master shut off for the whole building. Automated valves and flow switches are also available to control and monitor water flow in a structure. A traditional Lock-Out, Tag-Out program can be adapted to ensure that water supply valves are used to control flow in the building. Adding control valves may incur additional cost, particularly if the building design is already complete, which must be weighed against the potential costs of a loss.
Water damage prevention tools
The most effective and least cost methods to prevent water losses once a building is enclosed are enhanced vigilance (inspections) and subcontractor management that focus on water exposures. We suggest using two complementary tools, shut down inspections and wet work permits, to help project teams prevent water losses.
Shut down inspection
To maintain awareness and provide a structured system for inspection of water hazards and the condition of protective measures, we suggest project teams create a project specific “shut down” inspection checklist and implement shut down inspections once the structure is complete and interior work begins. The items on the checklist may need to be revised as the project progresses toward completion. Project staff should be assigned the responsibility for walking the building and completing the checklist before leaving the site (after all trades have completed work). The responsibility can be rotated among the staff as necessary. This can be an excellent opportunity for training and teaching younger staff members to be aware of hazards and exposures (what to look for). Depending on the exposure level and progress of the work, the “shut down” inspections should be performed daily, but not less than weekly and whenever storms are forecast. Multiple staff members may be assigned discrete segments of the building on larger projects.
Here are some suggested items to include in a “shut down” inspection checklist:
Notification protocols and updated call lists should be maintained so the “inspector” knows who to call if there are any issues that require immediate correction. Valve locations should be marked on each floor (i.e.; signs, wayfinding placards, and visual markings) so valves are easy to find and are clearly labeled.
Wet Work Permit
To maintain project team awareness of the trades working with water inside the building, we suggest implementing a “Wet Work Permit” (WWP) program once the building is enclosed. A WWP program will help the project team keep track of water damage exposures and focus attention on the systems and trades that require diligent supervision to prevent water damage losses.
Similar to a “Hot Work” permit system, a “Wet Work” permit system requires subcontractors to submit a simple form advising the controlling contractor whenever their work involves piping, water or other fluids. The permit should list the scope of work, location of work, the amount of water involved and mitigation measures if water escapes. The sample wet work permit (See end of article to download sample permit) provides a simple, yet effective way to track water use, ensure that subcontractors are implementing adequate risk mitigation techniques, and facilitate inspections to minimize the risks of water damage.
We suggest that a single individual (Superintendent, Project Engineer, MEP Coordinator, Quality/Safety Manager) be given responsibility for reviewing, approving, and tracking all permits issued. Permits should be completed electronically or in duplicate with the subcontractor, posting one copy in the field (if printed documents are used). The original copy should be maintained in the contractor’s office and closed after the final inspection is completed. We suggest limiting permit duration to one day or, at most, one week but limited to a specified area of the project. The idea is to limit the scope of the permit so the location of work is known and there is more control of the exposure to water damage.
The responsible person should let all project staff know each day which trades have active permits and the work locations so more frequent inspections take place. Closing inspections should be completed before leaving the site each day (see “Shut Down Inspection” section above) to verify that all water sources are shut off at the riser or source, hoses are disconnected and drained, no leaks are occurring, waste water has been removed, and the work area is secure.
For permit applications related to filling or pressurizing fluid distribution systems (sprinkler piping, chilled water, domestic water), we also recommend:
By incorporating the Shut Down Inspection and Wet Work Permit tools into their standard practices, companies can reduce the potential for water damage losses. However, even when these preventive measures are implemented and executed, water intrusion and water escape incidents can still happen. When they do, companies should be prepared with response and mitigation protocols that will minimize the impact of such incidents.
About the author: Kevin Furlow is a risk engineer with AXA XL’s North America Construction insurance business. With more than 25 years in the construction industry, and 10+ years in commercial insurance, he’s seen a lot in his career. To learn more about construction water damage mitigation and other loss prevention measures, contact him at kevin.furlow@axaxl.com
Global Asset Protection Services, LLC, and its affiliates (鈥溕喽嗍悠礡isk Consulting鈥�) provides risk assessment reports and other loss prevention services, as requested. In this respect, our property loss prevention publications, services, and surveys do not address life safety or third party liability issues. This document shall not be construed as indicating the existence or availability under any policy of coverage for any particular type of loss or damage. The provision of any service does not imply that every possible hazard has been identified at a facility or that no other hazards exist. 色多多视频Risk Consulting does not assume, and shall have no liability for the control, correction, continuation or modification of any existing conditions or operations. We specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that compliance with any advice or recommendation in any document or other communication will make a facility or operation safe or healthful, or put it in compliance with any standard, code, law, rule or regulation. Save where expressly agreed in writing, 色多多视频Risk Consulting and its related and affiliated companies disclaim all liability for loss or damage suffered by any party arising out of or in connection with our services, including indirect or consequential loss or damage, howsoever arising. Any party who chooses to rely in any way on the contents of this document does so at their own risk.
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