British American Tobacco Australia (BATA) had been storing locally grown and imported tobacco in a secure site comprising two very large buildings and five smaller buildings for over 40 years. The value of the raw materials stored was in excess of $50 million.
The stock layout within the larger buildings was somewhat haphazard, having evolved rather than being managed. Egress paths and Exit signs had become inaccessible, unusable and unmaintainable. The switchboards were well beyond their safe life, as evidenced by CNF finding two dead possums inside one of the main boards during the initial site assessment.
The project’s objective was to achieve Building Codes Australia (BCA) compliance and improve safety.
CNF was responsible for:
- Taking on the role of Owner’s Engineer to revise the stores’ layout, achieve BCA compliance and get sign-off for the proposed works.
- Designing:
- Forklift aisles;
- Egress paths;
- Locations for new exit doors;
- Emergency lighting;
- Aisle lighting;
- Replacement of all switchboards and site electrics;
- Extension and upgrade to the site fire hydrant system.
- Managing the installation contracts and supervising the site works.
