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INSTALLING SCULPTURE
In addition to transportation, installing a finished sculpture cast also often involves some planning and cost layout. A fee for the installation of a sculpture is not usually included in a founder’s quotation, unless specifically asked for. As with any quotation, the accuracy of any on-site installation costing will be entirely dependent upon the information made available to the founder (or other installation contractor), at the time of asking.
The installation of larger scale artworks always involves both organisation and manpower if the job is to be completed successfully and on time. This usually means some co-ordination and co-operation between the various contractors and administrators involved. The issues concerning the installation of a cast sculpture are best discussed during the early stages of a commission project. Planning should not only include making a sufficient budget allowance for this portion of the project, but also indicate who is responsible for each aspect of the installation. Relevant items here can include foundation preparations, plinth construction, drainage services and lighting, in addition to the actual final locating and fixing of the artwork itself.
Any CONSTRUCTION SITE environment where a sculpture or cast architectural design is being installed may be subject to strict controls. The supervisory body responsible for overseeing an installation may demand advance notice of the visiting team’s intentions. This notification usually takes the form of METHOD STATEMENT and RISK ASSESSMENT documents. The method statement is essentially a written schedule of the procedures that the installation team will carry out on-site. This must be provided to comply with site health and safety regulations, usually in keeping with national construction management practices.
As well as detailing installation procedures, the method statement may also indicate the need for temporary structures, including scaffold and mobile platforms. It is important to be aware that the permitted use of free standing ladders on construction sites is often strictly limited. The installation team will also probably have to apply for a HOT WORKS PERMIT if any welding or propane heating (for patination), features as part of the proposed installation programme.
The RISK ASSESSMENT identifies and quantifies potential safety issues, providing additional information on what measures should be taken to minimise these risks. This document will vary in it’s detail according to the extent of operations, materials and equipment used, as well as personnel numbers involved.
Prior to construction site entry being granted to installation contractors and visitors alike, it is nowadays usual for all attending personnel to undergo some form of health and safety INDUCTION. A safety induction can range from a few brief words, to a lecture lasting some hours – variable according to the particular site’s ‘culture’ and management policy. Particular attention should be given to any specific instructions issued during the induction, as failure to comply with these can result in the permanent expulsion of an offender from the site. Having some form of personal identification to hand can also be useful, as many controlled zones will issue confirmed ID tags to visitors. Safety boots, high visibility jackets and hard hats are also likely to be obligatory.
Dependent upon local regulations, domestic voltage power tooling may not be acceptable for use on a controlled construction site. Alternative mains/transformer or generator powered equipment may have to be acquired to comply with common practice. The likely need for and availability of specialist lifting tackle or access equipment should also be investigated in advance. Suitable handling and access equipment can include truck mounted and other mobile or fixed cranes, genie (access) platforms, mobile or fixed scaffolding, ladders, duckboard and so on. In some cases, valid test and safety certificates may be requested by a supervisor before lifting tackle is permitted on-site. Mechanical machinery operators may have to show competence permits/qualifications before using specialist equipment. In addition, there are legal obligations on those responsible for an installation, to notify local government authorities, the police and other interested agencies of potential hazards to the public, and if needs be, arrange for the temporary closure of public rights of way.
Where possible, the technical installation of a large cast artwork is a process best left to the founder. They have specialist knowledge, and are often best placed to co-ordinate with others involved in on-site work. This does not however, exclude the artist from taking an active interest and participation in the installation process as the final positioning and orientation of the work obviously has some considerable impact on how it is viewed by it’s audience.
Once the artwork had been successfully installed, the person responsible for approving the job’s completion (usually either the artist, whoever is paying for the work, or their authorised representative), should formally ‘sign off’ the work as being satisfactory. Signing off normally allows for the release of any final payments which might be due to the founder and/or artist.
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