Emergency Lighting Remedial Works for Local Care Home.

Emergency Lighting Remedial Works for Local Care Home

The Challenge

Following on from the annual service and maintenance of the emergency lighting at our customer premises by an RES engineer, we recommended a number of failed lights be replaced as soon as possible.

The Customer Site

Our customer site, a local Care Home, contains over 40 accommodation rooms, split over three main floors with a lounge, dining area, staffing areas plus a cinema and hair salon. It provides a comfortable, safe and secure place for elderly residents. In addition to the Emergency Lighting, RES also service the Extinguishers, Fire Alarm and Detection System and Fire Suppression system.

Our Solution

Emergency lighting and guidance lighting are essential for the safety of building occupants where a sudden loss of light would prevent safe passage from the premises. RES provided the customer with a detailed quotation, specifying the exact quantity and cost of parts and a fixed price for the installation and the safe disposal of old units. On approval, our engineers were scheduled for two days to complete the works.

The Result

Our engineers systematically replaced the faulty emergency lights across the site such as LED Emergency Bulkhead lights, LED Exit Signs, and LED Eyelid emergency lights.

After the installation was completed, a function test was performed on each updated circuit and a certificate issued confirming that the Emergency Lighting was in working order.

With the escape routes now adequately illuminated, the residents and staff have the emergency lighting needed in the event of a fire alarm. With the escape routes now adequately illuminated, the residents and staff have the emergency lighting needed in the event of a fire alarm.

All works are fully documented and an engineer certificate is issued to the customer.

Replacement AOV Installations.

Replacement AOV installations

Customer requirement

When carrying out an initial inspection, servicing and maintenance visit covering all fire safety systems and measures for 24 apartment blocks in London, the client made use aware of an issue with one block’s natural smoke shaft.

Apparently, the original dome fitted to the shaft blew off in a storm!

A replacement louvre vent (which is the correct vent to have in this case) had been sat in a storeroom for several months on site awaiting installation.

We contacted the manufacturers Xtralite to confirm the vents specification who were exceptionally helpful. Due to the time that had passed in supplying the vent and the potential damage and weathering to the shaft we agreed that it would be best for an installation team from Xtralite to be assisted by RES engineers.

Installation

The replacement louvre vent was successfully lifted into place by a local crane hire company and installation was carried out.

Rooftop AOV Automated Opening Vent
Rooftop AOV Automated Opening Vent

Continued maintenance

While the crane was on site, during our initial inspection, servicing and maintenance visit our engineers had reported damage to the block’s stairwells AOV dome so this was replaced at the same time as the smoke shafts louvre vent.

With the crane, Xtralite and RES engineers already on site, the damaged dome was very economical to replace.

Louvre window

We again came across this issue during our initial inspection, servicing, and maintenance visit. Straight away it was obvious looking at the buckled window that it should never have been installed.

The reason behind it was that the roof opening for a dome (which you expect to find at the top of a stairwell core) was just the other side of the stairwell cores wall so it must have been put in the wrong place from construction as the lobby to the apartments had an AOV the same as all 8 floors below.

Louvre window AOV Automated Opening Vent

We contacted Xtralites sales and design team who proposed a louvre window as being the best replacement option.

The installation was not without issue as on removing the original windows frame there were not the fixing supports that you would normally expect to find. Xtralite were able to manufacture made to measure brackets for the louvre windows installation.

This caused a short delay but in planning ahead with a local scaffolding company meant we were able to keep the scaffold in place for the duration of the works.

Doing the job properly

The louvre window was installed by Xtralites installation team assisted by RES engineers who then carried out the cabling works and commissioned the AOV window, fully testing the blocks AOV system.

Louvre window AOV Automated Opening Vent installation

Fire door installations for apartment blocks.

Fire door installations for apartment blocks

Initial inspection

When carrying out an initial inspection, servicing and maintenance visit covering all fire safety systems and measures for 24 apartment blocks in London, we made the client aware of an issue with a corridor in one of the blocks.

All six floors above had a cross corridor fire door halfway along a long corridor connecting two stairwell cores. Not an issue regarding travel distance under Building Regulations but there were two separate smoke control systems at each end of the corridors, one natural and one mechanical.

So quite important that a dividing fire door was in place!

New FD30 Fire Door

A site meeting with a local Fire Safety Inspecting Officer confirmed our findings and advice so a new FD30s door set was quickly ordered and installed by our Passive Fire engineers.

Its important to have a premises fire strategy drawing and document, and in this instance on being provided the information by the client the door was in fact missing from the drawings.

So this is how the situation had remained for 9 years until our initial take over service.

Training and Experience

At RES we have well trained and experienced engineers who will go that extra mile to help ensure premises are safe and compliant.

Lobby doors

After a Fire Safety Inspecting Officers visit to two residential blocks in Canary Wharf, London we were contacted by the officer to discuss missing lobby doors.

Both blocks had been like it for 7 years since construction so with no confirmation being available why two blocks out of 7 did not have ground floor lobby doors, we agreed with the client to install them.

Right: One block had a new FD30 door set installed to match the existing doors by our engineers.

Below: The other block also had a new FD30 door set installed to match the existing doors but also glazed partitioning by our engineers.

Fire Alarm Upgrades for Theatre Venue.

Fire Alarm Upgrades for Theatre

Customer requirement

RES were invited to tender for the upgrade of the Fire Alarm System at this prestigious theatre venue in Berkshire where we were responsible or the regular servicing of the Fire Alarm and Extinguishers.

The venue needed a number of recommended system upgrades following on from refurbishment to the main bar area and upper floors.

About the venue

The Mill at Sonning has been entertaining guests for over 30 years and provides a unique dining and intimate theatre experience for over 200 guests at a time.

This historic building dates back to around 1890 and its traditional water wheel which can still be seen and was last used to mill flour in 1969.

Installation

Our team of specialist fire alarm engineers were able to install the specified new control panels, optical smoke detectors, call points
and magnetic door retainers.

During the installation careful attention was made to ensure minimal disruption to the premises. For the renovated bar area, wireless devices were used to minimise the need for additional wiring.

Performance Mode

RES implemented a performance mode so that if the fire alarm is activated during a live performance, staff members are initially alerted, allowing them to investigate before the general alarm is sounded.

We also linked the sprinkler system to the main fire alarm panel so that if a sprinkler is activated the fire alarm is triggered.

On completion, an Operating & Maintenance Manual was produced for the customer to document the entire fire alarm system.

Result

Our customer now has a fully compliant and functioning fire alarm system which, in the event of a fire, will help to alert staff and
guests.

Work was carried out on time and to budget. RES continue to service and maintain the system, providing total fire safety and peace of mind.

“We have had a fire extinguisher contract with RES for over 25 years. During this time we have found the service to be outstanding.

With this history of service we asked RES to quote for our fire alarm upgrade we found the quote to be competitive. When it came to the insulation of all the new system we found the whole process was completed very smoothly and on time. Best of all is the after sales service, Fantastic!”                       

David Vass, Managing Director

St Mary’s School Ascot – Fire Alarm Upgrades.

St Mary’s School Ascot – Fire Alarm Upgrades

Customer requirement

Our customer, St Mary’s School Ascot, invited RES to tender for the upgrade of the school fire alarm system in 2013. RES were already responsible for the servicing and maintenance of the fire alarm system and extinguishers.

Their existing system had a number of flaws which needed to be addressed.

About St Mary’s School Ascot

St Mary’s School Ascot is a leading Roman Catholic boarding school for 390 girls.

The site covers 55 acres and contains over twenty separate buildings including a Chapel, Sports Centre, Swimming Pool, Theatre, Arts Faculty, as well as a number of standalone pupil and staff accommodation units.

It may be possible to upgrade the fire resistance of existing doors. Additional notes and guidance is available on Glazing, Hinges and Self Closing doors and devices from RES.

Our Proposal

RES provided its tender document containing detailed costings and explanations of the upgrades required.

On acceptance, RES scheduled the works to be undertaken out of term time and within strict timescales and costings.

Upgrade Works

Replacement panels were installed and networked together in line with our recommendations, along with replacement sounder bases, additional call points and detectors.

Limitations to the way the zones were addressed were resolved by the panel upgrades, increasing the number of zones from 20 to 87, allowing for greater accuracy and speed in the detection of fire and faults across the sites.

At a later phase, RES were also asked to install an integrated Lockdown Alarm for the school using the existing networking and infrastructure. Additional call points were installed at key points and a lockdown “pulse” was enabled using the fire alarm system.

The Result

There are now over 2300 fire alarm system devices across the school site including call points, relays, detectors, beacons, sounders and door closers – all working together to create a complete solution.

As the school has expanded and improved its facilities, RES has been able to continually maintain, improve and upgrade the fire alarm system in line with the school’s needs.

RES work closely with the school’s Estate Manager to ensure a programme of maintenance and upgrades is planned and executed, therefore ensuring the utmost safety of pupils, staff and visitors.

“Following a careful review of the marketplace, RES were selected to plan and execute a comprehensive upgrade of our fire detection and alarm system. The upgrade was successfully completed on time and to budget and has undoubtedly made the school environment a safer place for pupils, staff and visitors. Since the upgrade programme, I have been delighted with the prompt, helpful and effective support provided to St Mary’s by RES who are particularly good at understanding and taking into account the challenges of working within a boarding school environment.”

Trevor Clark – Estate Manager

ST-Marys-Ascot

Fire Safety Equipment for Manufacturing Facility.

Fire safety equipment for manufacturing facility

Customer Requirements

Our customer, Stuart Turner, is a world leading manufacturer of high quality pump and water boosting solutions and has a rich heritage in engineering and innovation.

Their prestigious site in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire comprises a large assembly plant, warehouse, research and training areas as well as a large office space.

RES are required to provide and service all the fire appliances for the site.

Maintaining a safe workplace

Ensuring that the appropriate fire safety equipment is installed and maintained in any environment is of paramount importance and with a manufacturing site there is an increased risk of fire from production equipment, storage and processing.

RES provide our customer over seventy fire appliances on site such as C02, foam and water extinguishers, as well as fire blankets – each appliance is appropriately located per it’s fire usage.

Our BAFE accredited technicians will inspect the appliances on site once a year in accordance with British Standards and Amendments.

The Result

RES have provided Stuart Turner with a competitive and compliant fire safety equipment service that meets the specific needs of this prestigious manufacturing facility- helping to ensure the safety of it’s workforce.

OUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES

Download Case Study

Fire protection equipment for Shopping Centre.

Fire protection equipment for Shopping Centre

Customer requirements

Our customer needed to have fire protection equipment installed for a new shopping centre in the South of the UK.

This large, modern leisure mail and indoor shopping centre opened in 1999 and spans over 7600m2.

It contains over a hundred retail outlets on three levels, two multi storey car parks plus various service areas and staff spaces.

Installation

RES have provided over 300 fire extinguishers, signage and other serviceable fire safety equipment at various specified locations of this prestigious shopping centre such as public shopping areas, car parks, stairwells, fire exits and also non-public areas such as service areas, electrical rooms, staff accommodation and access points.

Servicing

RES manage the timely and methodical service of all the fire protection equipment with an annual service visit.

Our engineers follow a detailed service plan to ensure every item is passed for use and a certificate is issued against all of the equipment.

Reliable and professional service

From its opening day, RES has been the chosen partner in the provision of Fire Protection Equipment for this prestigious shopping centre. Our reliable and professional service ensures the site is safe and ready for business, 7 days a week.

Fire protection for Luxury Spa.

Fire Protection for Luxury Spa

Customer requirements

Nirvana Spa is a leading luxury relaxation and leisure venue in the South of the UK.

Spanning a large site with multiple interconnected areas it contains five separate pool areas, numerous treatment rooms, saunas, gyms, changing rooms as well as restaurants, kitchen facilities and staff areas.

RES was brought in to manage, improve and service the fire alarm system and other fire protection equipment.

Extending the site

The spa has quadrupled in size over the few past years with additional wings being added phase by phase to accommodate new pool areas, treatment rooms and changing facilities.

RES have continuously expanded the original fire alarm system to accommodate the new phases.

Additional fire alarm system “loops” have been added over time to ensure every space is adequately protected with additional call points and detectors.

Ensuring zero disruption

Key to the success of the Spa is ensuring a tranquil and holiday-like environment at all times of the day.

RES works closely with the spa to co-ordinate that the maintenance and servicing is carried out “out of hours” with zero disruption
to its customers.

Furthermore, our engineers are trained to leave each site immaculately clean and tidy.

Delivering customer satisfaction

The spa now contains over a hundred fire protection appliances such as extinguishers and fire blankets and over six hundred fire alarm devices such as manual call points, control panels and detectors – all carefully managed and serviced throughout the year by RES.

RES continues to provide Nirvana Spa with reliable and responsive fire protection services to meet their needs.

“Nirvana Spa are delighted with the high level of professional service R.E.S. provide and the fire protection we now have throughout our facilities which gives us a great deal of reassurance”

Neil, Maintenance Director, Nirvana Spa

Automatic Opening Vents for Princes Court London.

Automatic Opening Vents for Princes Court London

The Challenge

Our longstanding customer Sandrove Brahams and Associates Ltd manage a prestigious ten storey apartment block in Knightsbridge, London. Originally built as a hospital it was then converted into flats and commercial shops.

On reviewing the premises Fire Risk Assessment and Fire Safety Officer Inspections, it was identified that using AOV’s (automatic opening vents) was a viable solution on the secondary stairwells at the premises to assist the residents escape in the event of a fire.

Our Solution

RES provided a cost effective solution for our customer to replace existing window placements at the top of two secondary stairwells in the east and west wings which would be fitted with AOV actuators with control panels linked to the buildings fire detection and alarm system.

If smoke is detected in the east or west stairwells this will trigger the windows to open allowing the smoke to naturally vent from the stairwells.

How the solution works

In the event of a fire, smoke detectors located in the escape stairwells activate the smoke ventilation systems including automatic opening vents (AOVs), which in this instance are windows located at the top of each stairwell.

• A natural flow of air enters the building
• Hot air and smoke are forced out of the building
• A safe means of escape is created

Result

The RES install team successfully designed, installed and commissioned the new smoke ventilation system in the premises in accordance with UK building regulations, on time and on budget.

The system will now help reduce the risk of smoke inhalation for escape and access routes, improve access to the fire service and also reduce the risk of a fire spreading.

 

“RES have provided a cost effective and viable solution to assist residents in the event of a fire”

SANDROVE BRAHAMS AND ASSOCIATES LTD

Princes Court AOV in action

Extinguisher Hire for Rowing Regatta.

Extinguisher Hire for Rowing Regatta

Customer requirements

Our customer needed to arrange the short term hire of a range of portable fire extinguishers for various sites at Temple Meadows at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta which runs at the beginning of July every year.

Solution

RES delivered over 100 extinguishers to the customer site, varying from water, C02, foam and wet chemical extinguishers – all suited to different applications and locations such as guest marquees, toilets, outdoor catering / kitchen units and also portable cabins.

Under British Fire Safety Law – A Fire Risk Assessment must be carried out for outdoor events which will identify specific extinguisher requirements around a site.

Result

Our customer was able to run another successful year of hospitality for it’s rowing regatta guests and staff, safe in the knowledge that our extinguishers were at hand in the event of a fire.