Enhancing Fire Safety:
Residential Upgrades for the Muiriosa
Foundation in Kildare
The Muiriosa Foundation, is committed to providing safe and secure residential accommodation. In line with this commitment, a recent project was undertaken by Bluestone Facilities Management Ltd to enhance fire safety measures in several of their many residences located in the Midlands. This case study explores the scope, execution, and outcomes of the fire safety enhancement works, with a specific focus on the upgrade of internal fire doors.
The project aimed to bolster the fire safety infrastructure of the residences operated by the Muiriosa Foundation. One of the primary objectives was to upgrade all internal fire doors to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to enhance the overall safety of the residents and staff members.
Challenges
Several challenges were encountered during the planning and execution phases of the project:
Logistical Considerations: The Bluestone Facilities Management Ltd. Team had to coordinate the upgrade works while ensuring minimal disruption to the daily activities of residents, (often with special needs), and staff.
Technical Requirements: Ensuring that the selected fire doors met the necessary technical specifications and regulatory standards was imperative for the success of the project.
Budget Constraints: Adhering to budgetary constraints while procuring high-quality fire doors and associated materials required careful financial planning and resource allocation.
Solution Implemented
To address these challenges, the following solutions were implemented:
Phased Approach: The upgrade works were divided into manageable phases to minimise disruptions. This allowed residents to relocate temporarily to unaffected areas while works were being carried out in their respective living spaces.
Collaboration with Experts: The Muiriosa Foundation and Bluestone Facilities Management Ltd. collaborated with fire safety experts and contractors specialising in fire door manufacture to ensure that the selected fire doors were compliant with relevant regulations and standards and fitted the needs of the residents i.e. wheelchair access.
Procurement Strategy: A thorough procurement process was undertaken to source fire doors that offered the optimal balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. Emphasis was placed on selecting FD30 Doors, Fire Door Furniture, Fire Door Ironmongery and Fire Frames with robust fire-resistant properties and durable construction materials.
Implementation Process
The implementation process involved the following steps:
Assessment and Planning: An initial assessment of the existing fire safety infrastructure was conducted, followed by meticulous planning to determine the scope of door upgrades and logistical arrangements.
Procurement and Installation: After careful selection, fire doors were procured and installed by experienced contractors following industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.
Outcomes and Benefits
The completion of the fire safety enhancement works yielded several notable outcomes and benefits:
Improved Safety Standards: The upgraded fire doors significantly enhanced the overall fire safety standards of the residence, providing residents and staff with a greater sense of security and peace of mind.
Enhanced Resilience: The robust construction and fire-resistant properties of the upgraded doors bolstered the resilience of the residence against fire-related hazards, reducing the risk of damage and injury in the event of a fire. This also enhanced the fire evacuation corridor in the event of fire giving residents and staff additional time to vacate the premises in the event of a fire emergency.
Conclusion
By upgrading internal fire doors and implementing comprehensive safety measures, the foundation has taken proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and ensure a secure living environment for all occupants. This case study serves as a testament to the effectiveness of strategic planning, collaboration, and adherence to regulatory standards in safeguarding residential facilities against fire hazards.
On conclusion of the fire door works Bluestone Facilities Management Ltd. provided their specialised Paint & Decorating Team to upgrade all floors and repaint all internal ceiling, wall and wood surfaces within the residence with minimal impact on both residents and house staff.