In December 2008, Nacap completed pre-commissioning works on the QSN Link Pipeline for Epic Energy. This was a fast track pipeline project that delivered on all its key performance indicators of zero lost time injuries, no environmental breeches, as well as all time and cost constraints. Key to the success of this project was Nacap’s ability to engage and mobilise a large multi-skilled construction workforce that shared the project goals and objectives of both Nacap and Epic. In the space of six weeks, approximately 250 men and women were identified, screened, inducted and mobilised to central Australia.
The QSN Link Pipeline connects Epic Energy’s South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP) at Ballera to Epic Energy’s Moomba to Adelaide Pipeline (MAP) at Moomba, and provides a delivery point into the Moomba to Sydney Pipeline (MSP). The construction of the QSN Link facilitates the supply of long term, competitively priced coal seam gas to southern markets. The pipeline is comprised of approximately 180 kilometres of DN 400 Grade X70, Class 900 pipeline, with a maximum allowable operating pressure of 15.3 MPa. The QSN Link project also includes the provision of several metering and pressure reduction stations at selected locations, above ground and buried pipeline facilities, and hot taps into SWQP, MAP and MSP.
Recruiting and managing personnel
Prior to employment commencement in the Cooper Basin all project personnel were required to complete a pre-employment medical process in order to ascertain their fitness for work on the project. A high level induction process followed to ensure employees were equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the project policies, practices and key performance indicators set out for the project.
Pre-start meetings were conducted at the commencement of each work day by the supervisor of each crew, outlining activities to be conducted for the day and to identify any quality, safety or environmental concerns. Toolbox meetings for all employees on site were conducted on a weekly basis to cover comprehensive aspects of the project’s progression.
Recruitment was successfully accomplished by sourcing from all states within Australia including Tasmania, with the workforce peaking at over 250 personnel. Recruitment was predominantly handled by the project site office, with assistance from the Nacap head office in Melbourne.
Throughout the duration of the project several thousand flights were organised, requiring the project office to form a “˜mini booking agency’ for flight arrangements and other travel details. In addition, designated charter flights were organised as required to transport personnel to and from the project location. Nacap arranged commercial flights from each worker’s capital city to Adelaide and utilised Santos-operated flights from Adelaide to the Cooper Basin.
During the construction phase, project personnel were based in camps provided by Australian Portable Camps at either Strzelecki or Chalky Creek camp sites or the Santos subcontractors’ accommodation based in Moomba and Ballera. Australian Portable Camps provided an innovative camp system, which allowed fast and efficient mobilisation to keep up with demands. Both camp sites were effectively self contained villages with accommodation, dining room, mess, laundry, a mini gym and project offices. Food, ice, water and waste management proved to be a significant logistical challenge each day.
Nacap subcontracted ESS for catering, who consistently met the challenge of providing three meals a day for approximately 250 personnel. The company organised a number of special occasions including a “˜Christmas in July’, which was appreciated by all, and cakes for staff birthdays.
A “˜Fitness for Work’ policy is imperative to Nacap and as stated within the policy, personnel are subjected to random and “˜for cause’ drug and alcohol testing. In addition to testing, education formed an integral component of the Nacap “˜Fitness for Work’ program.
As the project was in a remote location, Nacap employed a full-time Registered Nurse to attend to the minor day-to-day medical and first aid requirements that arose throughout the project. This ensured that treatment was provided and delivered in a minimal time frame, diminishing the impact of illness and injuries, and ultimately sick days. Nacap’s Nurse was supported by the dedicated Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). The security of having the Royal Flying Doctor Service available highlights the value of this organisation to remote construction projects and regional communities.
Communications for a remote location
Nacap used local subcontractors to a large extent, drawing on an extremely competent selection of subcontractors in the Cooper Basin. Local service providers included IIS (electrical and instrumentation) M&B Civil (civil), Brandrill (earthworks) and Veolia (waste disposal).
Establishment and maintenance of the IT and communications system also proved a significant experience. The project’s IT system relied on satellite relay for telephone communications and computer networking. During the project satellites were established at the two main sites, Moomba and Ballera, as well as the camps.
The camp communications building was fully air-conditioned to accommodate for outside temperature conditions, providing phones and internet café facilities for personnel. It also included the equipment room for the satellite television. These facilities alleviate the separation from loved ones, families and friends providing a valuable communications service for the construction site. Furthermore, satellite television was provided for the workers to ensure enjoyable recreational time.
The camp offices in Moomba and Ballera were provided with a satellite data link and telephone system, for which satellite phones and handheld radios were provided and installed for the entirety of the project.
Nacap subcontracted Nixon Communications to install and maintain a VHF radio network for communication between the sites, camps and vehicles. All vehicles used during the project were set up with a two way radio. This network proved invaluable for day-to-day construction and safety purposes. The network consisted of six portable towers strategically placed to cover the entire 183 km pipeline alignment, as well as all roads used for pipe haulage from the stockpile site.
Nixon has developed and refined a system of transportable, self-contained trailers and towers, which provide clear, reliable communications over entire projects, extending many hundreds of kilometres in remote country.
Project success
Projects of this nature are constructed by people; however, for a highly successful project these people need to be managed and supported by a well structured human resources plan and be provided with the necessary resources and training to ensure that they are equipped for optimum performance. This includes the supervision of the workforce and a culture that extends to a point beyond compliance. Nacap was able to combine these critical aspects to safely deliver a fast track remote pipeline project on schedule.