Drones can boost safety on sites, Wynne reports
ACONSTRUCTION firm hopes embracing new drone technology can dramatically improve health and safety on site, while reducing site costs.
Since being awarded a licence in December 2017, Wynne Construction – based in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire – has operated a drone on the sites of its major projects.
According to designated operator design coordinator Richard Wynne it will help the business reach new heights.
He said: “We have been exploring advancing technology because providing drone shots means you can minimise the risks of working at height and lower project costs.
“Hopefully that sets us apart from our competitors and helps towards decreasing costs and allowing clients to take satisfaction from seeing the images from the drones.”
Mr Wynne undertook an intense course over five days in Devon involving examinations, legislative work and a practical flight test to become an accredited operator.
He has since renewed its licence for 2020 and is one of a number of companies to have signed up for the new registration scheme launched by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Mr Wynne added that the company is aiming to go even further with technology moving forward and speeding up the processes in place.
He said: “We’re exploring an app that automatically takes pictures when the drone flies within a defined area of the project.
“When it lands you can then build a mesh model from the images which can be modelled and imported into a new build 3D model.
“This will allow us to shape existing buildings which can then be used on schemes with extensions and new build elements, quickening things up by around 75% as there is no need for scaffolding and labour.”
The design coordinator said the capability of drone technology has meant it has become a vital part of jobs Wynne undertakes for its clients and has helped develop stronger relationships.
Mr Wynne said: “It’s part of every project, from start to finish.
“We used a drone in Deeside where we were able to carry out a full roof and gutter survey.
“Without the drone, they would have had to get someone out to do it, and provide them with access equipment, so again it’s helped to reduce risk and save money.
“For another project during the construction of the new Ysgol Penyffordd site in Flintshire, we liaised closely with Airbus.
“Owing to the proximity of the location to Airbus’ Broughton airport, we were in constant communication with the aerospace giant over any scheduled drone flights.”