Fire Stopping Compartmentation Survey for the NHS
AT A GLANCE
- Millions of people use NHS buildings every year, many of which are open 24 hours a day.
- These buildings still need to be surveyed to ensure fire safety compliance, despite being in constant use.
- CFP surveys revealed remedial works that needed to be carried out.
- CFP repaired and replaced the fire stopping measures that weren’t up to standard in a safe and effective way while allowing the NHS to continue offering their services.
- We provided the NHS with a cost-efficient service that ensured their premises were compliant.
THE CLIENT: THE NHS
Just like every commercial building, the NHS has a responsibility to prevent fires and protect those using their buildings in the event of one breaking out. Fire prevention and the spread of fire and smoke measures need to be reviewed regularly and maintained to a legally compliant standard.
THE CHALLENGE
As with any premises, equipment and fire protection measures can become damaged or might no longer work as well as when they were first installed. This is particularly the case with the NHS where buildings are often adapted and changed to meet new
demands, or where there is a high footfall. Therefore, surveys and remedial works need to be carried out to ensure the NHS continues to meet its obligations with regard to fire safety.
The NHS, therefore, asked CFP to survey their building fabric and Fire Stopping Compartmentation, including Fire Rated Door Sets. They also wanted us to carry out any remedial work required. However, many areas of NHS Trusts operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This meant much of this work could not be carried out during closed hours. Therefore, we needed to conduct the work in a safe manner, working around staff, patients, and visitors.
THE SOLUTION
At all stages of the work, CFP liaised with staff members to ensure the work caused minimal disruption. We completed the work safely and efficiently while allowing the NHS to continue doing what they do best.
While working with the NHS Trusts, our surveys revealed over 160 points of action that were necessary to bring buildings back to the required level of protection. We found some damaged or missing fire compartmenting walls and partitioning. These are designed to stop a fire from spreading to other areas. Therefore, these were repaired or replaced, as necessary, with approved products. We also needed to repair or replace some fire doors.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS
CFP was able to provide a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing service with minimal disruption. With our support, the NHS was able to continue with their day-to-day work with minimal disruption. Upon completion, legal compliance was achieved.
Our surveys revealed over 160 points of action that were necessary to bring buildings back to the required level of protection. These works and products bought the NHS premises back up to the required level. They now meet legislation and will save lives in the event of a fire.
CFP provides a comprehensive range of passive fire protection (PFP) and fire-stopping solutions and services. For more information on how CFP can support you with ensuring your buildings prevent fire and protect people, get in touch.
T: 0800 059 0113 E: hello@commercialfireprotection.co.uk
