To progress my business I have invested in a 3D laser scanner and software to improve accuracy and efficiency of surveys. The technology is so fantastic it is hard to convey just what a step change it is but I will try. I have been using scanners for a number of years but Leica have got the hardware and software streamlined and AutoCAD and Revit have improved so much as well that it is a joy to use this technology.My work has centered around architectural surveys creating As-built and Topographical drawings but I am keen to do plantroom and manufacturing space surveys as the first step in a project. The software available to model mechanical installations that have been scanned is impressive and easy to use. The other approach that is interesting when it comes to efficiency is the software that turns a 3D scan into a 3D mesh that can be brought into CAD software. Equipment and services that are redundant can be removed leaving a model of what is staying allowing the project to be modeled in the allotted space. Pipework spool pieces and support structures can be fabricated off-site reducing downtime while giving the production area an opportunity to maintain GMP while remaining operational.Can you envisage the benefit of scanning a space with the ceiling void and progressing to the adjacent floors or rooms and instantly understanding what is on the other side of a floor or wall, scanning does this. So if you are tired of getting to a point with a project and are then forced to take steps back to overcome issues the answer is simple, start by scanning the area and get the complete picture.

Started in September 2010 working for TSL who where doing the D&B work on site. There were GMP cleanroom refurbs and plantroom upgrades involving new boilers, AHU's and compressors.Much of the work focused around making sure new equipment would fit and creating documentation for the Strip-Out and work phasing. As the plantrooms are congested finding adequate routes for ductwork/services is a challenge along with identifying penetration locations and tie-in points. Since 2011 I have been working direct for Actavis as a contractor within the engineering dept. reviewing and updating the site documentation. What have I achieved at Actavis:Completely surveyed and cadded up the Civils and Mechanical Services in Layout & Schematic for the following:5x Water systems, MCWS, BCWS, PCW, PW & HW-S & R. 2x Steam systems for Process & HVAC with around 4000kg/hr total capacity.Site Layouts with ductwork (HVAC & LEV), pipework (CDA, CHW, LTHW & Drainage) and electrical containment. The site now have the documentation to do feasibility studies for project proposals and to satisfy the pharma industry audits for the UK and FDA.

Working with some of the big players in the liquid food industry my role has either been to fore fill the Site Draughtsman role, creating and maintaining site documentation or as the Project Design Draughtsman working on Concept stage through to Detailed Design. I have been involved in packaging line layout design, process pipework and factory layout design. Usually the only draughtsman on site with the control of documentation and the drawing office function the role will include liaising closely with equipment suppliers, architects and structural engineers to progress and coordinate all drawings.The work has involved using Total Stations and Leica Disto laser tapes to survey the existing building, equipment, services and utilities and cad them up. Usually services surveyed for Pressure Reg documentation are detailed in P&ID schematic and layout with all in-line item given tag numbers linked back to a schedule.Over time documentation has been accumulated to size pipework and ductwork. I have been involved in detailing support structures and bracketry for the services.I have worked with 3D scanners and created 3D models of projects involving process and packaging plant using the scanned information. This is the way forward and is becoming the norm.Health and Safety courses have been completed and with the years of exposure to RAMS I have a 100% incident free record working on site.Sites worked at include:Dairy Crest: Severnside, Frome, Crudgington, HanworthArla: Hatfield Peveral, OakthorpeRobert Wisemans: Bellshill, Trafford ParkTetra Pak MPS: World wide, involved in over 100 pre-projects and 6 Completed ProjectTetra Pak Processing: Gerber JuiceTetra Pak Packaging: First Milk: Crediton Princes Juices: Manchester and CardiffHistogram: DurhamPLF Harwich: Filling machine company - Three major projects, China, Netherlands and USA.GSK: Coleford, Ribena & Lucozade

My brief was to create detailed working drawings of conceptual sketches for the new 7200 Sq.m carbon fibre chassis manufacturing facility. The main focus was populating the equipment layouts through the production phases with a scheme that had an efficient product flow. There were significant pressure points generated by the size and requirements of some equipment which forced decisions to be made with the layout that were irreversible at an early stage. This included locating equipment pits which required the floor to be excavated and strengthened in areas to meet the equipment supplier’s requirements. Other area of involvement included looking at automation of the lines using multi axis robots, layout of the offices, machinery spaces and utility/service routings.

Ongoing project to survey, document and update the site drawings for this 30 000sq,m life science manufacturing site.See Actavis for a description and nature of the work.

Pureplan is a small design consultancy specialising in Cleanroom re-fits and new builds for the Pharma, Bio Science and Semi-Conductor sectors. My role has evolved to the point where 3D scanning is used in conjunction with Revit software to create a re-fit solution that works. Re-fits have inherent complexity and challenges of working around continuing production, existing equipment and services.Most projects are ISO 7 or 8 but I have been involved with a few ISO 6 Semi-Conductor jobs. My role has involved doing some calcs and schedules but the focus has been the survey, creating the model and associated drawings of all mechanical services. Areas of expertise include the following services: Ductwork, LEV, CDA, Steam/Condensate, LTHW, CHW, MCWS, BCWS, HW F&R, Specialist Gases and Drainage. I have also been involved in a CHP project tie-ing into existing electrics and LTHW system.

One of the big three dairy companies, Dairy Crest have used my services to survey and produce layouts of their sites as well as some project work. The site at Stonehouse covers an area of 136 000sq.m. Apart from the usual civils, equipment and services site documentation, I‘ve also been involved in surveying the drainage systems while directing a contracted drainage companies camera crew around 160 manhole chambers. I have used 3D Scanning to capture Filling and Packaging Halls in greater detail as part of a survey. The scans were used to create and to verify the accuracy of layout drawings.

The role involved overhauling pumps, gas compressors, steam turbines and fan condensing equipment mothballed during the oil crisis in 1974. There was a managing element that developed that meant overseeing the day to day running of the team, liaising with company engineers regarding equipment specifications to adhere to, supervising work in progress to guarantee results. Writing reports on each piece of equipment detailing parts replaced, machining, clearances, balancing, generally specifying that the piece of equipment had been restored to within the manufacturers specification.Active at progress meetings, highlighting issues to be resolved, coordinating resources.Responsible for testing and securing of equipment ready for commissioning.This was a very rewarding project and I learnt a great deal about mechanical seals, balancing of rotary elements and laser alignment equipment for machinery couplings.

ICAL were involved in the building of an oil production platform modules for an oil field off the SA coast.Responsible for all aspects of managing a team of pipe fitters fabricating small bore pipework packages. Maintaining work continuity by planning resource requirements from the pool of trades (welders, riggers, scaffolders etc) Procurement of materials.Liaising with the Engineering Design team concerning all aspects of the project from routings and bracketry to specification of inline fittings and fire mitigation.Ensuring installations were completed to specification and within the required timescales.

Optima, a prototype equipment manufacturer heavily involved with SA Defense Force projects and building hydraulic operated equipment such as test benches, power packs, presses and cranes. The workshop had a maintenance dept. where pumps, motors, hydraulic control fittings and cylinders were overhauled as well as responding to breakdowns. The metal fabrication shop produced the steel structures, tanks and cabinets for the fitters and technicians to transform into a piece of equipment.Working within this small business one got involved in all aspects but probably the greatest challenge was building a large hydraulic component Test Bench from the bare steel frame and a schematic diagram. This was a team effort with my role involving mounting the pump, motor, the control systems, instrumentation and to pipe all the components together. The bench was capable of testing pumps/motors up to 100kW @ 100 bar.Promoted to charge hand with the responsibility of supervising the hydraulic shop. The role entailed coordinating and planning of work against staffing levels and skills, the procurement of components and materials. Liaising with the design office and fab shop to ensure drawings and metal work were as required.

A merchant shipping company with a diversified fleet of ships all propelled by slow speed diesel engines. I joined Safmarine as a cadet (apprentice) spending time at sea, college and apprentice training school. Trained in the maintenance and running of all equipment found on ships e.g. Diesel engines (medium & slow speed), Purifiers, Pumps, Compressors and Refrigeration equipment. Promoted to the position of 4th engineer responsible for the running of the engine room for 8 hours a day and the maintenance of machinery designated to the position according to a planned maintenance schedule. Other duties included taking bunkers, transferring fuel and maintaining the correct spare part inventory. I gained valuable experience running a large complex plant.