Extensive Student Accommodation PFP Remediation Project

Details of work

Adaston were selected from a competitive tendering process to undertake the complete repair and remediation of installed passive fire protection across 4 blocks of occupied student accommodation. We were selected by the University of Wolverhampton for our clear commitment to quality, aligned social and environmental values as well as a demonstrably fair and good value pricing proposal.

Prior to our engagement, the university had undertaken a full survey of their student accommodation portfolio and were thus seeking a suitably qualified contractor to undertake the complete remediation of the building to achieve the required levels of passive fire protection and safety. As well as our membership of the association of specialist fire protection (ASFP) our 3^rd party accreditation through FIRAS set us apart from other prospective contractors due to it’s rigorous auditing and monitoring standards. As well as this, our membership of the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) meant that the university had total peace of mind that not only were works being undertaken to the highest installation standards but also that Adaston would go above and beyond to ensure all elements of health and safety were considered throughout the programme of works.

Our project was divided into three key phases

Pre-start:

Our prestart phase in which to plan and mobilise was absolutely essential to ensure the success of the project as a whole. For the duration of the programme all buildings would be occupied and operational, naturally therefore a programme had to be created which minimised disruption, ensured appropriate security and delivered on our agreed deadlines.

Works took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic meaning additional considerations had to be made, for example suitable safeguards against delay were built into the programme. This ensured that areas deemed no-access due to infected students did not have a knock-on effect and could be returned to at a later date without requiring additional man hours or a programme extension. As well as this, stringent health and safety practices were agreed with site management teams and university staff to ensure that not only were all standard health and safety considerations accounted for but that all additional required factors concerning working during the pandemic were made clear to all parties. This included social distancing, the wearing of face masks, hand washing protocol and regular testing.

As well as the above, clear lines of communication were established between the University and Adaston to ensure all elements of the project had an established and clear point of contact and responsibility. Weekly teams meetings were also organised where Adaston would report on progress, billing, findings and any potential issues in order for a joint approach to be undertaken to ensure risks to the programme were mitigated as much as possible, as early as possible, and that at all times the university had a complete view of the project as a whole.

Remediation:

Once a clear programme had been established and agreed our remediation team, lead by operations and technical manager Justin Pindar, began works to bring all four blocks of student accommodation up the required standards. We operated a risk-based approach, beginning at communal escape corridors, bedrooms and busy communal areas before moving into back of house areas such as store and plant rooms. This ensured not only that the building’s safety was increased as quickly as possible but also that any bedrooms unable to be accessed due to COVID or otherwise could be returned to later in the programme with no delay caused to the overall programme schedule.

Installation works were completed by our qualified and experienced installation team overseen by both our contracts manager Callum Chandler and Operations and technical manager Justin Pindar. All items of remediation of fire stopping were recorded against the university’s original reports and before and after pictures were assigned to each installation of fire stopping. All installation photographs and evidence provided were reviewed by Justin Pindar to ensure the highest levels of quality and attention to detail were achieved by all operatives on site. Impromptu spot checks of installation were also undertaken by contracts manager Callum Chandler as an additional quality control. The university’s site management team carried out continual inspection and sign off of the works as the programme progressed and our rigorous quality assurance practices meant that feedback remained excellent for the duration of the programme with no snagging works being records, representative of Adaston’s “right first time” approach.

Due to our 3^rd party accreditation FIRAS, as with all our projects, at any time we can be independently audited by their inspectors to ensure that our installation and working practices meet all levels of their standards as an accredited body.

Due to our extensive pre-start planning, and successful mobilisation, works proceeded as planned, on time and within budget.

Completion and handover:  

As each block was completed, a full O&M manual was produced covering all works performed by Adaston throughout the building. As well as this, a certificate of conformity was issued through FIRAS for each block, giving documented peace of mind to the university that all works had been performed not only to the correct detail of installation but also to the required level of quality. As a result, the building’s passive fire protection could now be relied upon to deliver the required level of fire resistance in the event of a fire.

Due to our in depth pre-start, rigorous operating procedures and full documented handover, University feedback was excellent. Works were delivered with minimal disruption to residents, completed on time and delivered on budget.