The document discusses the advantages of using Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Site Supervision for water sector clients. M&E Resident Engineers (REs) can ensure contractors properly install sophisticated control systems and comply with commissioning obligations. As the "eyes and ears" for clients, M&E REs are well-positioned to manage issues around controls, piping, and commissioning documentation. REs should have technical and administrative skills as well as knowledge of safety practices to effectively supervise projects and represent client interests.

1. Mechanical & Electrical Site Supervision:
Supervision:
Advantages To The Water Sector Client.
Recommendations By
Martin Kealy, BEng. CEng. MIEI
Mechanical Engineer.
June 2010.

2. Introduction.
Resident Engineering staff are vital to ensuring that all aspects of the project are delivered to
the required standards and to the client’s satisfaction. The presence of a supervising Resident
Engineer, (RE), ensures that the contractor adheres to the obligations defined within the
contract documentation in relation to safety, design, quality, installation, progress and budget.
The RE is the eyes and hears on the ground for the Employer’s Representative or Consultant.
The contract administrative functions performed by the RE ensures that the consultant or client
has accurate records from which to resolve points of conflict with the contractor.
Why use Mechanical & Electrical, (M&E), REs?
With the improvement in the standards now required by the new water regulations, the process
and control of water/wastewater treatment is getting more sophisticated. The use of Intelligent
Instrumentation, Programmable Logical Controllers, (PLC’s), Supervisory Control And Data
Acquisition, (SCADA), and Telemetry systems means that an Engineer with specialisation in
these systems is extremely advantageous on the RE Staff. It is not expect that Civil Resident
Engineers would have an understanding of this equipment can result in the contractor not fully
complying with the M&E elements of the contract documentation. The presence of an M&E RE
ensures the contractor installs the plant as per the approved design and as per the equipment
manufacturer’s instructions. It is also possible that commissioning obligations defined under the
contract documentation may not be are fully observed by the contractor, especially on small
schemes. The presence of an M&E RE ensures such obligations are fully complied with.
In the majority of water projects, issues requiring resolution develop around the control system,
maintenance assess, cable routing and small-bore pipe runs. The M&E RE is best placed to
ensure the contractor resolves these issues in compliance with contract documentation.
From experience the M&E RE is better placed at managing/monitoring the Civil/M&E interface
ensuring the civil requirements for M&E equipment are put in place, (eg plinths & ducts are
correct type). Typically this would be completed in liaison with the civil engineer providing
technical support.
Another critical function performed by the M&E RE is ensuring that:
• Quality documentation is in place, (Calibration, CE and ATEX Certs).
• All pre-commissioning checks are completed correctly. (Pressure testing pipework,
Megger and Flash testing of panel). (e.g. allowing no pressure testing through pumps).
It is important that the M&E RE is efficient in contract administration maintaining comprehensive
written records such as dairies, meeting minutes, variation instructions, file memo’s and contract
correspondence. The RE is required also to keep photographic records. These records log the
history of the project in areas such as quality of materials, installed plant & workmanship,
contractor progress, weather conditions and any other adverse condition or matter arising
onsite.
Professional code of conduct.
It is advantageous that the M&E RE is member of Engineers Ireland. Being a member means
that the M&E RE makes a personnel commitment to abide by the appropriate code of
professional conduct defined and regulated by Engineer’s Ireland. It was important for an
engineer in an RE position representing the client’s interests onsite to be governed by a
professional code. This was particularly applicable to an engineer who is responsible for
signing-off installed plant as being in compliance with the contract documents and fit for
purpose for the client’s application.
June 2010.

3. Typically 70% of an M&E RE’s time will be spend on site supervision and 30% on administrative
work.
What skills or expertise should an M&E RE have?
The recommended supervisory and administrative skills of the M&E RE are:
• Good and effective communication skills both written and verbal.
• Good project management skills.
• Good organizational and administrative skills.
• Being familiar with the contract administrative systems, such as diaries, recordable
dayworks sheets, minute taking, photographic records and filing practices.
• Having the ability to foresee problems before they become critical.
• Good problem solving skills.
• Having an eye for quality and detail.
• Having a good knowledge of quality documentation.
• Having the ability to follow a logical and detailed methodology for testing and
commissioning.
• Being capable of reviewing handover documentation to ensure operations have all
required information for operation and maintenance of the plant.
• Account assessment skills for interim payment applications made by the contractor.
• Having the ability to work prolonged works, (standard day is 10 hours normally).
The M&E RE should have technical knowledge of:
• Mechanical equipment installation, (pipework, pumps, valves, airblowers, filters and
chemical dosing equipment).
• Electrical equipment installation, (panels, main distribution boards, motors, cabling and
instrumentation).
• The ETCI’s regulations and ESB requirements and specifications.
• Pipework engineering, (sizing, flexibility. alignment, materials, pressure ratings and
anchors).
• Hydraulics.
• Process being constructed.
• Building services and generators.
• Building regulations.
• Instrumentation, control systems and control equipment.
• Civil requirements and work practices for interface reasons.
From a safety prospective an M&E RE should have a good working knowledge of:
• Safety legislation requirements.
• Safe systems of work for mechanical and electrical installation.
• Safety Files and their management.
• HSA safe work practices for site.
• HAZOP’s
• Assess method statements.
June 2010.

4. From a contractual point the M&E RE should be proficient in the use and understanding of:
• Contract Documentation.
• Contract Conditions of Contract.
• Relative standards and codes.
• Contract programs.
• Equipment datasheets and manufacturer’s manuals.
• Assessing Dayworks and Claims.
• Issuing of Engineer's instructions and contract variations
June 2010.