MATERIAL MANAGEMENT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES POST COVID-19

Tyranny of Coronavirus is now very familiar with each one of us. Progress of all the sectors which contribute to the socio-economic growth of the nation has been jeopardized by this deadly virus. It is quite embarrassing to realize that because of this emergency like situation even the most powerful nation like the USA has been forced to kneel down. Government of India (GOI) has suitably decided to start with few industrial and agricultural activities. To name a few- construction, fabrication, manufacturing and agricultural sectors have been given a nod to resume their activities in a regulated matter following the norms of social distancing. Construction sector in India employs more than 35 million people and contributes about 9% to the Indian GDP–

Hence, our fight against both Corona and unemployment in construction can be bolstered by following few simple steps of material management at the site.

These steps may, however, appear to be trivial but carelessness towards these will eventually send an invitation to the menace of Coronavirus. Let us go through these-

• We should develop a designated space for storing and keeping each of the raw material. Large construction sites do follow this norm strictly but it is an opportunity for others to get into this practice as well.
• Ensuring the site/ place for material storage is free from the hazards- flooding/ water stagnation, fire exposure, short circuit and pest infestation.
• Storage area should be properly disinfected before storing the material and subsequently while taking possession of the same as per the requirement during execution.
• Protocol regarding access to the store and timings should be developed such that social distancing norms are not compromised with.
• All the staff should be provided with
• Proper buffer stock of material to be ensured such that in case any restrictions are imposed on manufacturing and supply chains in the near future progress of execution need not be compromised. Similarly, there must not be extra material stored so that in case of revocation of construction permission under unforeseen circumstances, the material does not get unfit for use. Example- Cement, has a life of 3 months from the date of manufacture.
• There is no unwanted movement of men and material within and outside the store.
• Proper lighting and ventilation shall be ensured to maintain the aesthetics of a healthy atmosphere within the storage area.
• Proper record of men and material entering and leaving the store should be made.
• All the staff should be well equipped with Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPE’s) including gloves and masks.
• Well maintained clean and hygienic washrooms and hand wash area. It should be properly cleaned frequently. Drainage facility must be well developed and maintained.
• Disinfection in and around site to nullify scope of pest breeding

It is quite obvious for people working with groups like- L&T, Gammon, SPCL, Godrej, etc. that these procedures are strictly followed as a part of Environment Health & Safety guidelines. But there exist many small fragmented contractor groups that still don’t follow proper site management. The event of COVID-19 has definitely made everyone realize the importance of personal cleanliness and public hygiene. Construction sites which have been witness to some of the most unorganized and messy will undergo drastic changes. Precautions undertaken to control and prevent corona will also help the manpower stationed at construction site less susceptible to diseases such as- viral fever, dengue, malaria, food poisoning, skin infections, common cold, jaundice, etc. It is a golden opportunity for people in the construction fraternity to ride along with this rising tide of doing away with fragmentation in the construction sector as all the stakeholders will have to work more responsibly and in unison.