Commissioning is a pivotal process in ensuring the safety and functionality of infrastructure projects. When commissioning is performed, it verifies that critical elements like plumbing, electrical wiring, and fire suppression systems and alarms work properly and meet required standards.

It also helps ensure all the equipment installed in the facility is working as designed. This helps reduce the risk of harm or operating issues for both workers and future facility occupants.

Technology such as commissioning software can be used to simplify and improve efficiencies during the commissioning process. This software comes with specialized functions that manage and automate the commissioning process from planning to operation, ensuring the pre-commissioning safety plan is closely followed.

Here, we discuss the features and safety benefits commissioning software provides to help avoid risks and ensure a smooth project.

Safety Benefits of Commissioning Software

From evaluating if job sites are safe to begin work to testing airflow, a great deal of related construction safety aspects undergo assessment during the startup and commissioning processes. Here are a few ways commissioning software and technology can help maintain safe operations before and after the commissioning process.

Identify & Correct Problems

Some safety concerns that may arise during the commissioning stages include:

• Water and air leaks
• Issues with mechanical building controls, like HVAC and elevator systems
• Problems with sensors used for monitoring air quality

When issues like these are uncovered and addressed quickly, the commissioning team can prevent project disruptions and unplanned expenses that might’ve occurred otherwise.

Commissioning software can quickly identify safety issues with real-time progress tracking that allows for immediate corrective action. Alert and update notifications are sent to all involved team members, enabling effective communication among teams when there are issues.

And, when cloud-based software is used, commissioning teams can access it on or away from a job site using multiple devices to ensure they stay informed.

Verify & Maintain Compliance

Commissioning helps ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, construction standards, and other important aspects of infrastructure projects. From verifying that construction team members wear proper protection while in the field to confirming valid documentation is maintained for all the instrumentation and equipment used, commissioning activities span many different areas.

If certain areas are found to be noncompliant, team member safety could be compromised. It could also lead to legal fines, lawsuits, and a tarnished reputation.

Completion milestones can easily be monitored with commissioning software to ensure all project components are compliant before moving onto the next step. This software also allows you to store all compliance documentation and certifications in one place, eliminating the hassle of finding digital files in different platforms and paper documents in various physical locations.

Align Team Members

Whether on the operating team performing new equipment commissioning or the Health, Safety, and Environment team – referred to as the HSE team – overseeing and enforcing safety processes, all project team members must be aligned when it comes to safety. If personnel aren’t on the same page, disaster can occur.

For example, if a hazard like a high-voltage work area isn’t identified properly because the responsible team member wasn’t aware they should handle this, someone could get hurt from an electric shock.

Commissioning software provides a central hub for all commissioning information due to its ability to integrate with other software and tools. This includes information on:

• Which team members are assigned to which tasks in punch lists
• How quality assurance tests are progressing
• If there’s a need to deviate from what was originally planned
• Any outstanding tasks

Ensure Emergency Preparedness

Commissioning verifies that emergency systems like fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, and exhaust ventilation systems are working as designed. These systems could be instrumental in preventing injury or eliminating potential hazards during future emergencies, but only if they function properly.

Leveraging technology can reduce unnecessary emails and phone calls for updates on system functionality, as commissioning software keeps all stakeholders informed with coordination tools and full visibility into ongoing progress. If a system isn’t working as expected, test procedures can be thoroughly documented, letting the right teams know that appropriate action must be taken to fix the issue before moving forward.

Maintain Commissioning Safety With the Right Tools

Commissioning is a critical step in carrying out infrastructure projects to ensure safe and successful construction work and facility operations. With all the tasks involved in commissioning, the process can seem overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be.

TrackerCheck is a commissioning software created by experienced commissioning engineers that streamlines the process from start to finish. Our user-friendly platform helps prevent responsibilities and safety issues from slipping through the cracks by automating key tasks and housing everything you need in one central location.

Experience a more efficient, accurate, and collaborative commissioning process. Request a TrackerCheck demo today!