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#61362 01/22/06 06:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
It's looking like I will get a job to change some lights at a state prison.

From those of you who have done such work....any pointers?

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
Moderator
Leave you wallet at home. [Linked Image]


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Member
Don't drop any tools.

Sorry... I couldn't resist!

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 558
R
Member
We knew that one was comin' didn't we!!

A.D

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 155
D
Member
If you are unfortunate enough to have dropped a tool think twice before you bend over to pick it up.

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 361
C
Member
Be prepared for a lot of down time (no pun)...check in w/guard, tool count, pass from one gate to next - another guard, and so on...same procedure on way out.

Anything and everything you bring in can be made into a weapon...


~~ CELTIC ~~
...-= NJ =-...
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,429
L
LK Offline
Member
John,

Not to worry, i removed my watch while working on a panel, in a correction center, before i left, an officer notified me that an inmate, found the watch, and turned it in, i worry more, working on some construction sites. then in a correction center, just remember staging for the job, may take a lot longer because of access, you will be better able to plan, after your first visit.

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 132
E
Member
Just finished a jail last month. The prisoners are really not a problem. Most of them are guys like you or I who got caught. You might as well go ahead and pick up an assortment of tamperproof bits to go in drill to save some time. I will assume that you will be installing Kenall fixtures. the screws that hold the lens' are long and will strip out very easily. My word of advise is to go ahead and pick up extra hardware because you are going to strip some out. My advise is to start the hardware by hand and finish with the drill.If you are adding new ones be aware of the rough-in dimensions of a 2x2 and a 2x4 as they are not what you would think. Had a problem on my job due to the fact that the framers used the acoustical style ceiling framing which would work for a regular 2x4 or 2x2 rough opening but not Kenall fixtures. They will need to modify the ceilings to accomodate them so expect a huge fuss from them but that is going to be between them and the G.C. Also a heads up that the fixtures need 1/4" rods(4) from the structure above to hold them. These are labor intensive units and I hope that your estimator accounted for them. If you have any questions or would like some tips feel free to email me.

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,158
Member
For the Bits and driver this is what i use http://www.megapro.net/products/productline.html

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 316
L
Member
I have worked in many prisons and local detention centers in the last 11 years. Take as few tools as needed into the place. Tool lists and counts take time. Lost time is a major problem with these jobs.When we bid these projects we figure 5 1/2 productive hours out of an 8 hour day The fixtures are heavy and require extreme mounting methods . Getting from one place to another can turn into a real experience. Keep track of every thing; tools, materials , even tape.If I have a lot of items ; drills, lights, tools, ladders etc. I will use a flat cart or two. If you only have 1 escort, making more then 1 trip to get things does not work, AN officer must be with you and the tools / materials at all times. So if you must leave to retrieve something everything must go with you and your escort unless you are lucky to have 2 escorts.( I've never been that lucky )
I bought a set of tamper proof tips on e-bay for $6.00. 33 tips in all - fit every light and screw in the prison. (Type in security tips in the search box at ebay)
The officers do not like to be called Guards, they are correctional officers and like to be referred to as officer.
Prison work is not that bad really. Just remember the inmates are human beings just like you. Some will sense if your nervous and razz you others you will find to be extremely smart !
The company I work for during the week has made a ton of money off the prison system in Maryland. For the last 11 years we always have at least 1 project going at a prison.I spent 1/2 of- 2002 , all of 2003 & 2004 , and 1 /2 of 2005 working between 2 prisons.

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