Page 8 - Graypvine February 2020

Quality design group, and then
the project manager
sends those to trade
partners during the “You have
with Trey Griffith project bidding stage. the authority
Director, Quality The trade partners then
send the submittal back to say “stop”
to design for validation of for both safety
“STOP!” As for the most under-used word on a jobsite, I’d say meeting the spec. Once
it’s “stop”. We talk a lot about saying “stop for safety,” as safety approved or rejected, it’s and quality.”
is always our priority. But our second priority is quality. If you see up to the team members
something not going in place correctly, say something. Say “stop” in the field to ensure that
if you’re reading this...you have the authority to say “stop” for both what was priced and
safety and quality. verified to meet codes
Speaking of knowing if something isn’t going in correctly. The and design intent are being put in place. As soon as products
best way to know if something is being installed in the right way is arrive on the site, please make sure they are the right materials. If
to know your documents. I mean the drawings. Just as important something is off, say “stop” or “no” to guarantee items will not be
– if not more important – you need to know your specifications installed until we get final approval.
In closing, Jim Grant sent out an email about the
8 and your submittals. Specifications are the documents that tell you awesomeness that is going to happen in 2020. He mentioned
what the outcome should look like, and how we test to ensure
they are correct. that quality is about information and that is exactly what it is.
Recently we have had a few issues with this next step of It’s all about knowing the documents for your project! Quality is
submittals. We had team members discover that sprinkler pipe not just something that happens on a jobsite either. It happens
arriving to the site was not approved and they said “stop”. We in design (specs, drawings), project management (submittals,
eventually got that pipe manufacturer approved so we could get contracts, scopes of work, customer relations), and of course in
the pipe installed. But, if no one had noticed and said “stop”, a lot the field – that’s just where the rubber meets the road. But all of
of rework would have been required. us – each and every one of us – plays a huge part in our quality
Submittals are the one document that everyone has a hand system. And we all need to remember to say “stop” when the
in. Products are selected based on specifications issued by our time comes.

Field your first day on a and continued working for Gray
Sometimes
part time while she wrapped up
new project starts
her degree. She is now a Project
Focus out with getting Engineer on Project Blue Marlin in
lost on the way,
Aurora, CO, where she is enjoying
and that’s exactly
what happened to learning about data centers.
“A few months into my
Courtney Rapson. On top of being nervous about setting foot on internship, I quickly realized I
her first jobsite, Courtney couldn’t find it and had to call Senior had a passion for construction,”
Site Manager Dan Phillips for help. said Courtney. “I believe what
“I accidentally called him ‘David’,” Courtney recalled. “Of attracted me to it most was the COURTNEY
course he corrected me and my thought was, ‘Great! I’m already fast-paced atmosphere and RAPSON
starting off on the wrong foot!’” the way that things are always
But it was all downhill from there. Dan started joking with changing. I really enjoy being part Project Engineer, MEP
Courtney upon her arrival to the jobsite – Jushi in Columbia, SC of one project and turning around and experiencing something
– and it wasn’t long before she was comfortable. He walked her completely different on the next. I’m able to learn so much about
around the project and explained everything about the facility and all components of companies from manufacturing to food and
answered all her questions. beverage and everything in between. This gives me the ability to
“Taking the time to walk me through things reassured me that I become a well-rounded engineer.”
would have the mentors and support I needed to be able to learn Courtney is happy to pass along some guidance she recently
and grow on that job,” said Courtney. “It gave me the confidence received from a fellow team member.
to jump in and ask questions and be involved in any way that “In my most recent review, Andy Allen gave me a very valuable
I could.” piece of advice that I would like to share: that is to study up. In
After her summer on the Jushi project team, Courtney knew that I mean to prepare yourself for each new job. Take drawings
Gray was where she wanted to be. home with you. Read through submittals and specs when you
Courtney graduated from the University of Kentucky last year have free time so you know what materials should be on site. I
with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She first have found that not only does this help you understand the job
heard about Gray from a friend whose dad is a long-time team better, but it also gives you some self-confidence in being able to
member: David Florence. Courtney landed an internship position understand and effectively answer a question as it is asked.”