Jim Dunn’s extensive knowledge of the piping trade was put to use in the Biological Safety Laboratory-3 at Battelle in West Jefferson.

The job required an extremely high standard of quality due to the research focus of the facility. Dunn led a crew of 40 to install a variety of complex piping systems and materials which provide vital services to the laboratory.

Tight space was a major obstacle to Dunn and his crew. More than 28,000 feet of pipe was installed within nine months. The project also included the installation of 18 HEPA units and two 1,500-gallon environmental decontamination cookers. Due to their size, the cookers were a challenge to install. The crew had to lower them through an opening in the roof, while staying clear of nearby power lines, and then down through the first floor.

Dunn was able to follow the original schedule while incorporating numerous changes to the initial design. Because the laboratory is an existing facility, constant coordination was required to maintain current operations.

A member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 189, Dunn has been in the industry since 1976. He has been employed by Bruner Corp. for 17 years.

Architect: Flad & Associates
Engineer: ccrd partners
General Contractor: Gilbane Building Co.

Dunn has won two previous Craftsmanship Awards. His first was in 1997 for mechanical work at the YMCA Central Ohio Branch and his second was in 1999 for the renovation of the chilled water system at Lucent Technologies. He started working in the industry by doing plumbing in apartment buildings. His father and brother were also both in the trade.

Updated 9/28/2007