JANISSEN ELECTRICS
WA BRANCH
PROJECTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Electrical and communications projects can have a significant impact on people’s everyday lives. In their 40-years of working in the aged care sector, Janissen Electrics has found it’s not just project outcomes that make a difference, but also the way the project is delivered. This was clearly demonstrated through their recent automation project for an aged care facility in Perth. NECA was pleased to interview Janissen Electrics’ Managing Director Simon Brice and General Manager Alina Aydt, to discuss the complexities of working on a large-scale site that is not just a building, but a home. What was Janissen Electrics’ role in the project? Our work was part of a broader renovation project, upgrading the communal facilities across multiple aged care sites. We modernised the audio-visual systems and delivered a complete lighting upgrade to the LED fittings, incorporating a KNX lighting control system.
feel comfortable and engaged makes a big difference to their wellbeing. The benefits of innovative technology became clear during COVID-19 when, for around three months, the residents couldn’t have any visitors. Our upgrades helped provide a positive environment, interesting entertainment and a connection with the outside world. What sort of challenges did you overcome? Working on a live site, where people live in full-time care, is complex. We needed to work around residents at all times, respecting the fact that our workspace was their home. Our team had minimal room to work and multiple trades shared the same area. The entire project required high levels of communication and collaboration with the client, builder, trades, residents and families to deliver it on time and with minimal disturbance to residents. COVID-19 introduced a new set of challenges and restrictions on what
was already a very demanding project. New protocols meant staff were limited to specific work times each day and additional cleaning requirements reduced the number of work hours available. Only a set number of approved technicians could attend the site and to minimise risk, they weren’t allowed to come to our workshop or interact with our other staff. Detailed but flexible planning and preparation became critical. The constant threat of a sudden lockdown, meant each day’s work needed to be achieved, with the site fully functional, in case we couldn’t return the next day. This was a tricky issue to manage. As a
Can you share some of the project’s innovations? The new lighting system is fully automated and programmed to manage the ambiance of the facility, dimming up and down at pre-set times with limited interaction from staff and residents. The system offers several practical benefits including reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs and the ability to remotely monitor everything offsite. The audio-visual component included the latest technology smart TVs and sound systems allowing residents to access live streaming services. Importantly, the lighting and AV upgrades have helped achieve the client’s aim to create inviting communal spaces. In aged care facilities, most residents and staff are inside all day, every day. Creating an environment where people
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To have your inspirational story told, contact Aimee Hills at aimee.hills@ecawa.org.au
Photography: Osprey Photography Builder: Dawn Express
March 2021