Morgan Sindall
Sector
Student Accommodation
Location
Derby
Timescale
July 2022
Services Provided
Fire Compartmentation Survey & Fire Stopping Installation
Service Overview
A major refurbishment project was undertaken by Morgan Sindall on behalf of the University of Darley (Darley Bank), aimed at enhancing fire safety across their student accommodation buildings. Recognizing the critical importance of fire safety, Element, an approved supplier to Morgan Sindall with expertise in compartmentation, was engaged to assess and address potential breaches and fire safety risks within the structures.
The primary objective of the project was to comprehensively identify any breaches in compartmentation across the University of Darley’s student accommodation buildings. Compartmentation refers to the division of a building into distinct fire-resistant compartments to contain the spread of fire, providing occupants with crucial time to evacuate safely. Element’s task was to conduct a thorough inspection, evaluating the effectiveness of existing fire containment measures, and ensuring all potential fire safety risks were identified and appropriately remediated.
Element approached the project with meticulous attention to detail, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of each accommodation building’s compartmentation integrity. A team of experienced fire safety experts employed cutting-edge technology and industry best practices to identify any breaches or vulnerabilities. The investigation encompassed walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and other building components that contribute to the fire compartmentalization strategy.
Upon the identification of potential breaches and fire safety risks, Element’s team collaborated closely with Morgan Sindall and the University of Darley to swiftly develop and implement tailored remediation plans. Element’s expertise allowed for the use of innovative fire-resistant materials and technologies to restore the integrity of compartmentation barriers. Each remediation step was meticulously executed to adhere to the highest safety standards and local regulatory requirements.
Through Element’s diligent efforts and expertise, the University of Darley’s student accommodation buildings underwent a significant transformation in their fire safety measures. Compartmentation breaches were effectively remedied, bolstering the buildings’ capacity to contain fire incidents and protect occupants. The thorough approach adopted by Element ensured that no stone was left unturned in the pursuit of a safer living environment for the university’s students.
Project Particulars
- Fire Compartmentation Survey
- Fire Stopping Installation
Challenges Faced
Throughout the duration of the project, we encountered several challenges that demanded meticulous coordination and communication with all stakeholders involved. The dynamic and active nature of the student accommodation facilities posed a significant hurdle. Ensuring minimal disruption to the daily lives of students and maintaining their safety required us to maintain consistent communication with the contractors. Coordinating the timing of the works to take place during periods of reduced activity and ensuring clear access to the areas under refurbishment were paramount. Flexibility and adaptability became essential virtues as we navigated through the ever-changing schedules and demands of the student community. Despite these challenges, our team remained dedicated to upholding the highest standards of fire safety, and through collaborative efforts with the University of Darley, Morgan Sindall, and all relevant parties, we successfully overcame these obstacles, achieving a comprehensive fire safety enhancement across the student accommodation buildings.
