Extensive Fire Protection Project at UWE, Bristol

Specification

R. Lewis & Co (UK) Ltd were initially approached to provide fire door inspection and were appointed as term contractor consultants to support the university on building fire safety. During the consultation process, our work packages were extended to include a comprehensive range of fire protection services.

The specification was to deliver a function strategy that incorporated 19 academic blocks with varied disciplines, from standard classroom and offices, to science and engineering blocks. Each block had to function, not only for a practical compartmentation plan but also had demonstrate an evacuation of over 2000 pupils and staff. This was no more evident that the Science blocks that spread over 4 blocks and 3 floors. These blocks, built in the 1970’s, had no way of introducing sub compartmentation of traditional hazard rooms due to its air flow design. R. Lewis & Co (UK) Ltd were able to fire engineer a life safety system demonstrating full CFD model and 3D evacuation modelling to overcome the problem and find the most cost-effective route to achieve compliance.

Further to this, Manufacturer approved bespoke fire stopping details were used on site to overcome the challenges in fire stopping buildings over 40 years old. Along with health & safety challenges, the site has extensive asbestos issues. As principle contractor it was the role of R. Lewis and Co (UK) Ltd to co-ordinate and liaise with asbestos surveyors and removal companies to deliver a successful project.