Installation practicalities

Here is a check list of some things to consider when planning an interior plant installation. (Please note: this list is for guidance only and is neither exhaustive, nor definitive.  We take no responsibility for any omissions and remind you that health and safety legislation varies considerably around the World.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully up-to-date with any legislation and codes of practice that apply to your work.)

Health and Safety

• Site risk assessments
• Task risk assessment
• Product / material safety data sheets
• Permits to work for contractors
• Manual handling
• Working at heights
• Working in confined spaces
• Exposure to dust
• Exposure to noise
• Electrical safety
• Provision of personal protective equipment

These issues are also discussed in Module 4: Health, safety and the environment.

Materials and equipment

• Load handling equipment, e.g. hoists, cranes, trolleys, platforms, etc.
• Cleaning equipment
• Surface protection to prevent scratches or water damage to the building's fabric during installation
• Waste disposal provisions
• Protective covers for the plants if they are installed before the rest of the building is completed
• Heaters if the plants are installed before the heating system is operative
• Lighting
• Water supply
• Soil / compost (you may need several tonnes)
• Irrigation equipment
• Drainage material (e.g. Light Expanded Clay Aggregate - LECA)
• Decorative top dressings
• Landscape fabric (to line containers or contain roots)

Construction issues

• Design and construction of tree pits, built-in beds and large containers
• Drainage
• Strength of floors (remember that installation equipment, as well as the finished plant displays, may be very heavy)
• Lines of sight (will plant displays obscure signs or security cameras?)

Go to the next page for more information on some of these issues.