Sign Installation: What Happens Before We Arrive on Site?
When people see a new signage installation they often focus on the finished product. Whether the striking illuminated logo on a building, the eye-catching digital display or the wayfinding signs guiding visitors through a hospital. What many don’t realise there is an extensive planning, engineering, safety management and coordination phase that takes place long before our installation team arrives on site. So here’s the lowdown of signage installation. And why the Signs & Lines team are best in class…
At Signs & Lines, sign installation is far more than simply mounting a sign to a wall. Every project requires careful consideration of site conditions, structural requirements, electrical compliance, access limitations and safety risks. Whether we’re installing a rooftop sky sign, digital scoreboard, hospital wayfinding system or illuminated building sign, our experienced Project Management team ensures every detail is planned and documented before work begins.
Watch a couple of our installation timelapses for the real lowdown – VenuesWestAquaticSuperscreen and WACA DigitalScoreboard.
Planning a Signage Installation
A typical project may involve a number of installation considerations including:
- GANTT/project planning – like making a jigsaw – all the parts need to fit neatly together!
- Safety – how are we going to install the works to OSHE regulations? Think pre-start meetings, SWMS, Take 5s, Permits, Dial before you Digs etc;
- Removal of existing signage and infrastructure;
- High risk works – such as working at heights, excavations, manual handling, electrical;
- Transportation of the signage to site from our factory – large heavy loads, lifting signage onto hiab and into place;
- Electrical works and power requirements – commissioning digital or illuminated signage;
- Installation – one worker or 10, how does our team work together and seamlessly with others on site;
- Quality control – work executed to the highest standards.
Typical Challenges
Every site presents its own challenges. Working within live environments such as hospitals, shopping centres, airports, aquatic centres or commercial buildings requires specialised planning such as:-
- Minimising disruption to daily operations
- Space restrictions
- Public safety
- Access equipment
- Traffic management
- Crane operations
- Working at heights
- After-hours scheduling
Extra Challenges of CBD Work
Installations within Perth’s CBD, and other densely populated urban environments, the complexity increases significantly. Limited access for cranes and hiab vehicles often presents one of the greatest challenges. Many projects require:
- road closures;
- traffic management plans;
- pedestrian management strategies;
- door drops to neighbouring businesses;
- council permits;
- extensive Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) planning.
Securing these approvals often results in a very small installation window, requiring precise coordination between all stakeholders. Our project management team works closely with builders, local authorities, traffic management providers and specialist contractors to ensure every activity is scheduled down to the minute.
Safety Meetings
Prior to installation a series of detailed safety meetings are typically conducted involving all stakeholders. Typically this may be a builder, our Signs & Lines project team and specialist trades such as hiab, crane or rope access technicians. These planning sessions identify potential risks, establish safe work methodologies and ensure all parties clearly understand their responsibilities.
On installation day the hiab collects each sign element directly from our Midvale manufacturing facility and delivers them safely to site. Depending on the project’s requirements, crane lifts, elevated work platforms and specialist rope access techniques may then be used to carefully manoeuvre each sign component into position. These operations demand exceptional precision, particularly when working at height or in close proximity to occupied buildings and public spaces.
Much of the installation work is undertaken at night to minimise disruption to building occupants, local businesses and the public. Selecting the right equipment and installation methodology is critical to ensuring works are completed safely, efficiently and within the approved timeframe.
For illuminated and digital signage projects, additional considerations include electrical compliance. Components must be selected to withstand local weather conditions, corrosive environments and ongoing operational demands. Once installed, systems are thoroughly tested and commissioned to ensure optimal performance from day one.
Final Wrap
So as you can see, the success of any signage project relies on far more than quality design or fabrication or assembly. It requires experienced project managers, skilled installers, specialist access technicians and a commitment to safety at every stage. At Signs & Lines, our team’s expertise allows us to deliver complex signage solutions on schedule, within budget and with minimal disruption to our clients.
The next time you see a sign being installed, remember that what appears simple on the surface is often the result of months of planning, approvals, coordination and specialist expertise behind the scenes.
Call us to find out how we can help +61 8 9274 5151 or email today.
