How Sarens Canada assisted two Toronto organizations with upgrades
Sarens Canada has been helping a couple of crucial organizations in Toronto make significant safety upgrades, but the process of completing the work has also meant overcoming some tough safety challenges.
Among these projects are the installation of a rooftop railing system at the YMCA on Elm Street in downtown Toronto and the HVAC system upgrade at Scarborough General Hospital. These projects highlight Sarens' dedication to improving safety standards in critical infrastructure.
Enhancing safety at the YMCA
Sarens Canada describes itself as a leader in crane rental services, heavy lifting, and engineered transport. It was tasked with lifting and installing a new safety railing system on the rooftop of the YMCA in Toronto. The primary objective was to enhance the safety of the rooftop area, which was previously lacking robust safety measures. "The YMCA reached out to us because they needed to improve the safety of the rooftop area," explains Mario Carcamo, a key account manager at Sarens Canada. "Their rooftop needed upgrades of some of their safety equipment, including railings, to ensure their personnel's safety during routine maintenance checks."
The project presented unique challenges due to its location directly across from the Hospital for Sick Children. The dense urban environment required meticulous planning and coordination to avoid disrupting the hospital's operations. "We had to engage with their operations team to make sure we were not going to impede their traffic," Carcamo notes. "Through partnership with the operations team, we were able to put together a traffic plan to maintain their services while safely lifting the items to the roof."
Sarens employed a versatile crane with a smaller footprint to minimize disruption in the congested area. "We used a standard 110-ton crane for the lift, chosen for its smaller footprint and versatility," says Carcamo. "This was crucial in ensuring we did not impede traffic or hospital access, especially given the location’s constraints."
Safety measures and maintenance
Sarens Canada prides itself on its stringent safety measures and regular equipment maintenance. The cranes used in their projects undergo routine mechanical and structural inspections, including non-destructive testing (NDT). "Our cranes are newer and regularly maintained, with annual inspections for mechanics and structural integrity," Carcamo emphasizes. "NDT is crucial for detecting any structural defects well in advance, ensuring the safety and reliability of our lifts."
HVAC system upgrade at Scarborough General Hospital
In addition to the YMCA project, Sarens also recently contributed to the HVAC system upgrade at Scarborough General Hospital. This project aimed to improve air quality within the hospital, directly impacting health and safety. While Carcamo was unable to provide specific details about this project, he highlighted Sarens' broad range of services that often intersect with safety improvements. "Our mobile crane business has a wide range of applications, from safety equipment installations to major capital projects," he explains.
A strong reputation
Carcamo, who transitioned from a manufacturing background to the crane industry, praised Sarens' culture and the dynamic nature of the work. "Sarens is a wonderful company with a great culture and safety record," he says. "We deal with a wide range of industries, and the versatility of our projects keeps the job engaging."
The recent projects undertaken by Sarens Canada at the YMCA and Scarborough General Hospital underscore the company's commitment to enhancing safety through expert lifting services. By overcoming the challenges of dense urban environments and maintaining rigorous safety standards, Sarens continues to play a vital role in improving safety and operational efficiency in critical infrastructure projects across Toronto.
