The Paediatric Specialist Centre in Campbelltown is a vital healthcare facility providing comprehensive services for children from newborns to adolescents. Located within the Specialist Medical Centre, it offers a range of medical conditions treatments and urgent care services. The centre’s building requires regular roof inspections to ensure structural integrity and prevent potential water ingress or other issues that could impact operations.
CHALLENGES:
- Traditional Inspection Methods: Traditional methods of roof inspection, such as using cherry pickers or personnel on the roof, are time-consuming, costly, and pose significant risks to personnel.
- Need for Efficient Solution: The centre needed a cost-effective and time-efficient solution that would minimize disruptions to its operations and ensure the safety of staff and patients.
VISUAL SOLUTIONS:
To address these challenges, a drone roof inspection was proposed. This method offers several advantages:
- Safety: No personnel need to be on the roof, significantly reducing safety risks.
- Efficiency: Drones can quickly cover large areas, providing comprehensive roof coverage.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring machinery or personnel for traditional inspections is costly; drones offer a more affordable alternative.
EXECUTION:
- Drone Deployment: A two-person crew deployed a drone on a day when the centre was less busy, ensuring minimal disruption.
- High-Resolution Imaging: The drone captured over 500 high-quality images of the roof, covering approximately 2,000 square meters.
- Thermal Imaging: Thermal imaging technology was used to detect heat differentials, identifying potential areas of water ingress or insulation issues.
RESULTS:
- Identified Issues: The inspection revealed several areas of concern, including potential water ingress points and gutter blockages.
- Recommendations: Immediate remediation of identified issues was recommended to prevent further damage. Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance were also suggested to ensure proper water drainage.
BENEFITS:
- Enhanced Safety: No personnel were required on the roof, reducing safety risks.
- Cost Savings: The use of drones significantly reduced costs compared to traditional inspection methods.
- Efficient Reporting: A comprehensive report with actionable recommendations was provided, enabling prompt maintenance decisions.
This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of drone technology in inspecting the roof of the Paediatric Specialist Centre in Campbelltown, ensuring the facility remains safe and operational for its patients.