Getting the project up and running for the client to start manufacturing was a priority. Prior to completion, the ORS Fire Safety Team carried out their final inspections.
The production area was ready for completion, while the ancillary services were not. ORS discussed this challenge with the client and suggested a phased strategy solution. With this approach, ORS introduced two separate completions. The team split the fire sign-off to allow manufacturing to commence. This was also discussed and agreed upon with Building Control. As a result, manufacturing could commence under the BCAR fire safety sign-off of phase 1.
During this new phased approach, a challenge was ensuring that life safety services were fully operational and offering complete cover to the now-finished manufacturing/production area. In the construction zone, however, life safety services needed to remain zoned and/or isolated for the purposes of undertaking specific works. To ensure life safety was never compromised, a temporary solution was utilised to provide cover throughout the construction zone at all times until work was complete and the system went live. Another challenge with continuing construction works within a live environment was ensuring an accessible escape route was maintained through the live construction site. This was successfully managed and executed as a result of appropriate planning and strong communication between all parties.
An innovative approach that came to light on this project was that a production line conveyor belt traversed directly through a compartment line in the manufacturing area. With some clever engineering, a solution was developed in which, on activation of the fire alarm, a slight timed delay was programmed for the engagement of the fire curtain to allow the conveyor belt to mechanically separate and move out of the compartment line. Once complete, the fire curtain would then fully engage, creating the required fire line compartment.
