Gerda Security Products UK

IntroductionThe Stonepillow Bognor Hostel and Hub offers support to homeless and vulnerable people within the Arun District. Run by Arun District Council, they have a challenging job to ensure that all of the facilities at the hostel are safe, secure and reliable.The hostel is open 365 days a year and provides accommodation for up to 10 homeless people every night as well as being open 10 am to 3 pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Which is particularly important when the weather is tough through the winter months and many welcome the respite from being out on the streets at night.The ProjectArun District Council regularly review their housing stock to see that it is fit-for-purpose as part of their ongoing checks and assessments. One aspect of this is the structure of compartmentation within the hostel. Owing to the heavy usage at the shelter, the previous doors started to deteriorate. As a result, the doors would not have done their job in resisting fire and smoke or withstanding the heavy usage they are subject to. So to conform with the latest Building Regulations and to guarantee the safety of the hostel’s residents and volunteers, Arun District Council made the decision to evaluate replacing the doors to the room entrances. Of paramount importance was the fire resistance, the prevention of spread of smoke in the event of a fire and the durability of the investment. The solution needed to endure all forms of misuse, whether this was accidental or intended.The OutcomeThe evaluation culminated in choosing Gerda FDS Complete FD30(S) doorsets which are known for their high-performance properties in social housing. The design takes into account the living environment, with features for longevity: frames that cope with temperature extremes; concealed door closers within the head of the door leaf ensuring maximum door opening space and prevention of swinging on closers or their removal and high-quality kick plates. The FDS doorsets are comprehensively tested in full scale performance tests for Fire, Smoke Control and Acoustics, all aspects of which, offer peace-of-mind to both the visitor and the housing officers.The council were delighted with the specification they received: “The doors work perfectly and are exactly what is required for the purpose of the night shelter”. The high quality of the Gerda doorsets was instantly recognised: “They are very robust and capable of containing a fire and withstanding any possible violent attack”. The project as a whole has made a huge difference for both volunteers and residents at the night shelter: “People feel much safer since the Gerda doors were fitted”.

IntroductionCortland is one of largest property management providers in the UK, leading in real estate investment, development and management.From delivering apartment communities, to property management solutions, they have an extensive portfolio of luxurious and high-end apartment blocks, located across the country. Committed to delivering exceptional service through sustainable and stylish properties, Cortland aims to redefine the rental experience by offering residents a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and community.Cortland manages over 2,000 properties nationwide, a wide range of those being high-rise residential buildings. Prioritising resident safety, Cortland recognised the need for top-quality fire safety solutions that comply with recent building regulations. Partnering with fire safety and security specialist Gerda Security Products, Cortland requested bespoke Emergency Response Plans (ERPs), Premises Information Box Systems (PIBs)logbooks & off-the-run sheet packages.Project DetailsThe Cortland project comprised of 29 Emergency Response Plans, 17 Logbook packages and 10 secure PIB®s for 13 sites across the UK, located in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leicester, Leeds, Reading, Guildford, Stevenage and Watford. These residential developments required comprehensive building and floor plans and PIBs for essential fire safety due to the blocks exceeding legislative height limits. According to recent building regulations, new structures over 11 meters and existing structures over 18 meters must have a secure information box (SIB) alongside compliant building plans to aid the Fire and Rescue Service in operational use.The Emergency Response Pack (ERP) Service provides vital building information to the Fire and Rescue Service during operational response.The plans are bespoke to each block and the residents occupying the premises. Gerda Security Products worked closely with Cortland to ensure compliance and best practices were established throughout each step of the project. From the initial ERP Service inquiry to surveying each individual block, GSP upheld exceptional attention to detail in every phase of the program. The Gerda Emergency Plans Service was chosen for these high-rise residential buildings due to its full compliance with and recommendation by the FIA (Fire Industry Association) and NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) Code of Practice. It is referenced in the June 2022 amendments to Approved Document B and Fire Safety (England) 2022 Regulation 4, following the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1 Report. The ERP Service was developed with the FIA / NFCC to an exacting specification and is a recognised point of information in the event of an incident.The plans are provided to the end client and Fire & Rescue Service in two formats: physical A3 laminated sheets and digital screen copies. During an incident, firefighters require complete access to building plans to perform the most effective evacuations. The A3 laminated sheets are particularly practical for Fire & Rescue Service use, as they do not depend on electricity, signal or weather conditions.In addition to the Emergency Response Pack, Cortland requested Gerda Security Products to supply a Logbook and Off-the-Run Sheet package to accompany the plans, in line with the recommendations in the FIA and NFCC Code of Practice.As stated in the new Fire Safety (England) 2022 Regulations Regulation 4, these building and floor plans must be enclosed in a secure information box. Cortland enquired for the Premises Information Box (PIB), due to it being successfully tested to STS205 BR2 (level II), Secured by Design approved and is compliant to the FIA & NFCC (The National Fire Chief’s Council) Code of Practice as referenced in Approved Document B June 2022 amendments and Fire Safety (England) 2022, following the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry.The PIB® with it’s smart ergonomic design, provides the Fire and Rescue Service with rapid access to building plans with their GSP One Key® System. With responsible key holders appointed by Cortland, having access through their own bespoke keys. As the creators of the original secure information box over 15 years ago, Cortland chose Gerda Security as their trusted partner for this project.With the extensive project of surveying, designing, and supplying of Emergency Response Packs, along with Logbook packages and PIBs, GSP’s Emergency Access Systems teams ensured clear and consistent communication with Cortland, particularly regarding what is important for each premises when considering the contents of the plans, timing of the surveying team visits, the completion schedule for the plans and estimated delivery of the Logbook packages and PIBs.FeedbackGerda Security Products highly regards all client feedback, and we are delighted to receive such positive comments from Cortland about our services and products.Block Manager Sheila Clarke highlighted, “By tailoring my approach to their specific needs, I was able to effectively compile the necessary information for the ERP plans.”Sheila also praised our team for being approachable, readily available for inquiries, and consistently providing professional and friendly assistance.“Our expectations were not only met but exceeded, with the team providing regular updates, estimated times of arrival, and detailed explanations of the deliverables and processes involved.”Additionally, she mentioned that “the ordering process was seamless, and their extensive knowledge was invaluable in assisting with the selection of appropriate equipment for each site.”We are committed to maintaining this level of service excellence and look forward to continuing to exceed expectations in our future collaborations with Cortland.FeedbackGerda Security Products highly regards all client feedback, and we are delighted to receive such positive comments from Cortland about our services and products.Block Manager Sheila Clarke highlighted, “By tailoring my approach to their specific needs, I was able to effectively compile the necessary information for the ERP plans.”Sheila also praised our team for being approachable, readily available for inquiries, and consistently providing professional and friendly assistance.“Our expectations were not only met but exceeded, with the team providing regular updates, estimated times of arrival, and detailed explanations of the deliverables and processes involved.”Additionally, she mentioned that “the ordering process was seamless, and their extensive knowledge was invaluable in assisting with the selection of appropriate equipment for each site.”We are committed to maintaining this level of service excellence and look forward to continuing to exceed expectations in our future collaborations with Cortland.

IntroductionFollowing a Fire Risk Audit on Luton Borough Councils housing stock of 10 high rise tower blocks, it was recommended by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service that more specific site information was required on the internal layout and that the original fire doors required attention to bring them up to current standards.As an existing user of the GSP One-Key® Locking System, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service recommended that Luton Borough Council contact Gerda Security Products for information on the Premises Information Box System as the secure focal point containing information for attending fire crews, plus approved fire doorsets.The ProjectWith the existing fire doors requiring replacement as they weren’t fit for purpose under the existing Fire Safety guidelines, Luton Borough Council also wanted to safeguard against the ongoing problem of antisocial behaviour. The Gerda FDS Complete™ Communal Doorset Range delivered the solution, with robust construction and anti-vandalism features, including concealed overhead door closers and axe-attack resistant 3tiervision™ panel glazing system. FDS Complete FD60S doorsets with side and top panels were installed for the high-traffic access stairwells, with FD30S for corridors, providing regulation compliant fire resistance, smoke control and acoustic properties.Luton Borough Council were particularly impressed that Gerda manufacture in the UK, with surveying and production all controlled in-house. Plus, that we provided a 3-day training programme for the approved installers, so that they could use their own labour to fit the Gerda range of products with 3rd party accreditation.The OutcomeLuton Borough Council started with a pilot site for Gerda Complete™ Fire Doorsets and Secure Premises Information Box (HSS PIB®C) to be assured that they would stand up against the antisocial behaviour experienced on site, before rolling the programme out to the remaining tower blocks based on their following learnings.• Information available in a usable clear format for the Fire & Rescue Service (FRS)• Premises information was available at the point of delivery – this is crucial to enable the FRS to make informed decisions• Fit for purpose Fire Doorsets tested as a complete unit so have peace of mind• Reduction in antisocial behaviour and the costs related to that• Compliant building in line with the RR(FS)O without the ongoing costs of repairs and maintenance problems 

IntroductionChalegrove Properties Ltd is a reputable real estate development company, leading in high-end residential projects across the UK. With over 30 years of experience producing luxury living and commercial spaces, CPL is responsible for delivering some of London’s most admired properties. Focused on elevating urban landscapes and enhancing communities, CPL has established an excellent track record of delivering lavish properties in prime locations, especially in London. Whether it’s apartments, office spaces, or mixed-use developments, Chalegrove’s portfolio showcases their award-winning developments, including their ‘Landmark’ family of skyscrapers.CPL’s tallest skyscraper, at an incredible 75 stories in height, is the famous Landmark Pinnacle. Situated in the prestige Canary Wharf location, it is formally known as the tallest high-rise residential building in Western Europe.The Landmark Pinnacle provides a range of flexible living options, from studio apartments to three-bedroom apartments. Housing hundreds of tenants, this development has a variety of unique resident amenities such as a park, cinema, residents gym, lounge, private dining area, bar and sky garden.“CPL strive to deliver high-end homes with safety, security and sustainablity at heart. Gerda Security Products made sure to support our goals and they exceeded our expectations with high-quality products and services.” Poonam Panesar, Head of Purchasing, Chalegrove Properties LtdProject DetailsFrom the primary stages of building design to the final sign off for resident occupancy, fire safety has evidently been of the highest priority for Chalegrove Properties. Due to the 233m height of the Landmark Pinnacle and the complexity of it’s layout, CPL have acknowledged the requirement for bespoke and high specification Emergency Access Systems, manufactured by Gerda Security Products. Ensuring compliance and best practice, CPL installed the High Security Premises Information Box™ (HSS PIB®C) System on the ground floor, just to the inside of the main fire exit. The HSS PIB®C was selected for the HRRB due to being successfully tested to STS205 BR2 (level II), Secured by Design approved and is compliant to the FIA (Fire Industry Association) & NFCC (The National Fire Chief’s Council) Code of Practice as referenced in Approved Document B June 2022 amendments and Fire Safety (England) 2022 Regulation 4, following the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry.`For operational use, the HSS PIB®C was developed with firefighters to an exacting specification and is a recognised focal point in the event of an incident. The origins of the HSS PIB®C go back a long way with the Premises Information Box Initiative launched in 2005 with the Fire and Rescue Service. Gerda Security have a recognised history of PIB® provision. The design of the HSS PIB®C is crucial to its operation for the FRS. The robustly-designed key for the FRS (their GSP One Key® System) can be used wearing firefighting gloves along with the A3 laminated building plans that can be written on as needed during operations. The ergonomics of the design is an implicit factor in ensuring that persons are protected from sharp corners, impactful for health and safety considerations.`In addition to the HSS PIB®C, Chalegrove Properties enquired for Gerda Security Products to supply comprehensive building and floor plans to place inside the High Security Premsies Information Box™ (HSS PIB®C) System. The Emergency Response Pack (ERP) Service provides bespoke, compliant and high quality information about the premises and the residents living there for Fire and Rescue Service use during an incident.With 75 floors of luxury apartments and other unique amenities, the Landmark Pinnacle is the most complex building that Gerda Security Products has created ERP plans for. Our ERP team, designers and surveying team all worked seamlessly to deliver highly detailed and compliant plans for this premises. With such an extensive project at hand, Gerda Security Products Emergency Access Sales Team worked closely with the Chalegrove Properties Ltd Purchasing Department to ensure clear, fast, and consistent communication, particularly regarding which PIB® to select, where the PIB® will be installed and what is best practice for the premises when considering the contents of the PIB® regarding plans.ConclusionThe Landmark Pinnacle Premises Information Box™ (PIB®) and Emergency Response Pack (ERP) Project showcases a successful collaboration between Gerda Security Products and Chalegrove Properties Ltd. By supplying a high-quality Emergency Access System and comprehensive building plans that aid the Fire & Rescue Service, Gerda ensured full compliance. The consistent communication, and special considerations for end user requirements resulted in high client satisfaction. This project’s success underscores the importance of collaboration between Property Management and Development Companies, alongside Emergency Access Specialist, Gerda Security.For more information on CWG, please visit www.group.canarywharf.com

IntroductionCanary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer and owner of the largest urban regeneration in Europe. Founded over 30 years ago, it has accumulated approximately 9.65 million sq ft of office, residential, retail, leisure and hospitality space across the eminent Canary Wharf estate. CWG own and manage a selection of 8 iconic residential buildings, providing living spaces for 3,500 people in Canary Wharf with future plans aim to more than double this number.CWG’s vision is to ‘transform urban spaces into extraordinary environments’, they defy the norm of the ‘high-rise’ and not only provide stunning areas for living, working, and shopping, but also safe, secure and sustainable spaces for their residents and community.Their residential portfolio comprises a number of high-rise residential buildings, ranging from 14 stories to an impressive 58 stories in height. With over 2,288 units CWG not only provide flexible living options, from studio apartments to three-bedroom apartments, but also unique resident amenity spaces including residents’ lounges, terraces, private dining rooms, screening rooms, fully equipped gyms and studios, self-service bars, guest suites, bicycle stores, and a pool.CWG provided positive feedback that Gerda Security Products went above and beyond to ensure they exceeded fire safety compliance and had best practice as priority throughout their enquiry for High Security Premises Information Box™ Systems.Akiff Rahman, Operations Manager, Vertus (Part of CWG)Project DetailsFrom the design stages of the properties to resident occupancy, fire safety is always of upmost priority for CWG. With combination of the height, complex building layouts and the volume of residents throughout their 8 residential properties, CWG have recognised the requirement for bespoke and high specification Emergency Access Systems by Gerda Security Products. To meet exceptional compliance and showcase best practice, they have installed High Security Premises Information Box™ (HSS PIB®C) Systems in Firefighter entrances throughout all 8 sites.Gerda Security Products Emergency Access Sales Team worked closely with the CWG’s Building Safety Manager to ensure clear, fast, and consistent communication, particularly regarding which PIB® to select, where the PIB® will be installed and what is best practice for the premises across their residential portfolio. The High Security Premises Information Box™ (HSS PIB®C) project aimed to enhance resident and premises safety, provide the Fire and Rescue Service with rapid access to comprehensive building & floor plans in an incident and improve compliance in line with the new Fire Safety (England) 2022 Regulations across all high-rise buildings.Installed in the internal Firefighter entrances which directly face the main road, The HSS PIB®C was selected for the 8 HRRBs due to being successfully tested to STS205 BR2 (level II), Secured by Design approved and is compliant to the FIA (Fire Industry Association) & NFCC (The National Fire Chief’s Council) Code of Practice as referenced in Approved Document B June 2022 amendments and Fire Safety (England) 2022 Regulation 4, following the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry.For operational use, the HSS PIB®C was developed with firefighters to an exacting specification and is a recognised focal point in the event of an incident. Tying into the CWG ethos of providing safe secure spaces, the ergonomic design of the HSS PIB®C reduces the risk of accidents in public areas, with its bevelled corners. GSP major on safe design principles in all product design. Selecting the High Security PIB® was due to the necessity of high specification Emergency Access Systems in such tall and complex buildings which exceed the requirements of the new regulations.ResultsAt Gerda Security Products, we recognise the importance of fostering strong client relationships, and we deeply value customer feedback throughout every stage of our projects, ensuring continuous improvement and client satisfaction.We received valuable feedback from CWG, confirming that the PIB is exactly what they were looking for. Moreover, that it serves as a reassurance to the Fire & Rescue Service, who regularly visit their premises, to see Gerda Security Products PIB®s installed. GSP are committed to maintaining our high standards of security and accessibility to ensure peace of mind for our clients like CWG. We appreciate CWG’s positive feedback on our PIBs and are pleased to hear that we have met their expectations effectively.ConclusionThe CWG Premises Information Box™ (PIB®) Project exemplifies a successful collaboration between Gerda Security Products and CWG. By delivering high-quality Emergency Access Systems that prioritise Fire & Rescue Service access, and keep comprehensive building plans secure, Gerda ensured full compliance. The effective communication, and special considerations for end user requirements resulted in high client satisfaction. This project’s success underscores the importance of collaboration between Property Management and Development Companies, alongside Emergency Access Specialist, Gerda Security.

IntroductionThe University of Cambridge has always adopted a forward-thinking approach to fire prevention and business continuity. Legislation affecting fire safety, notably the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, which became law in October 2006, highlighted the need for risk assessments and to advise attending fire crews of hazardous materials or structures. Yet prior to this date, the University of Cambridge had been working on progressive fire prevention policies and improved standards of resilience.The ProjectThe rollout programme for the Premises Information Box™ (PIB)® System was led by the University Fire Safety Manager. “This has been about developing partnerships – using a recognised system to safeguard our own interests and also provide access to essential information to enhance firefighter safety and, if necessary, expedite the conduct of operations. These aspects are important to us and we will continue to audit, develop and improve these arrangements to the benefit of everyone who needs to resort to our buildings.”The OutcomeAlastair Thompson, Managing Director of Gerda, advised: “It has been a privilege to be working in partnership with the University of Cambridge and the Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service. The leadership of the programme has been professional and exact, and has enabled us to implement the installation and maintenance programme for the PIBs smoothly. We look forward to an on-going business relationship for new build projects with the University of Cambridge in the future.”The Head of Organisational Safety Group, Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue service commented: “The Premises Information Box is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by the Fire & Rescue Service working in collaboration and partnership within the business sector plus private & public organisations to vastly improve the protection of the people inside buildings and, importantly, provide the essential accurate information immediately for firefighters who are called to any emergencies that occur in them.”It is estimated that 80% of businesses affected by a major incident close within 18 months and the loss of important assets may take years to replace if at all. This being the case the implementation of the PIB system as part of the University of Cambridge’s fire safety and prevention policy can only be a wise step and raises the fire prevention remit to a whole new level.

Project IntroductionTrellick Tower, a Grade II* listed tower block in North Kensington, is a marvel of Brutalist architecture designed by Ernő Goldfinger. Commissioned in 1972, the tower was intended to replace outdated social housing and featured innovative space-saving designs. Following on from the changes to Building Regulations in the aftermath of Grenfell the residents doors were found to be inadequate and in need of replacement.Challenges & SolutionsThe Fire Door Replacement Programme faced significant hurdles in regards to the buildings Grade II* listed status, Gerda worked in close collaboration with RBKC and planning consultants Litchfield to navigate the complexities of obtaining listed building consent. After months of meticulous planning and design, we successfully implemented a solution that not only met but exceeded building regulations while staying as close as possible to the original door design.The Contemporary Range Fire doorsets offered the design flexibility the building needed while also offering outstanding Thermal and Acoustic performance in line with the latest building regs (1.8 U-Value and <29db) significantly improving on the energy efficiency and resident comfort.Project ResultsGerda’s Technical and Contract Management teams collaborated with the building control team for seamless, rapid communication, especially during unique challenges that come up in renovations of historic buildings. In all, Gerda replaced over 180 resident front entrance doors, addressing all necessary fire stopping measures while exceeding expectations to preserve original features. The project also replicated other design elements, all within the original budget.ConclusionEnsuring that replacing the doors as legally required to meet fire safety regulations was done sensitively, without causing harm to the fabric of the Grade II* listed building and in keeping with the original Brutalist architecture.Following 9 months of meticulous planning and design with RBKC and the Trellick Tower Residents Association (TA), we successfully implemented a solution that not only met but exceeded building regulations, while staying as close as possible to the original door design.With a remit to ensure the purposefully high-quality doors exceeded building regs and matched the existing Brutalist architecture, the multi-performance FD30S Prosper and Lymn style doorsets from the Safer Homes Range were chosen by RBKC, with residents able to select between the glazed (Lymn) or solid (Prosper) designs.

IntroductionThe York Way and Holloway Estate doorset replacement project was a comprehensive programme undertaken by Gerda Security Products (GSP) in partnership with the City of London Corporation (CoL).The Holloway Estate is located on land owned by the City of London Corporation since 1832 and the estate was built between the mid-1960s to 1975 comprising 180 flats, maisonettes, and houses. The blocks are named after notable architects while the York Way Estate is a residential development located on the site of the former Metropolitan Cattle Market in London. The estate comprises four blocks with distinctive names that reflect the area’s past use as lairs and pens for sheep.The project aimed to enhance safety, security, and aesthetic consistency by replacing 692 doorsets across both estates with GSP delivering the installations as the main contractor.Project DetailsThe fire doorset replacement programme was designed to ensure the safety of the residents in terms of fire resistance, smoke control and security. Gerda Security Products installed a range of fire doorsets that met the City of London Corporation’s requirements for energy conservation, acoustics, and operational durability.The Safer Home Range Prosper style doors were selected using the FD60S internal one-hour fire-rated flat entrance doorsets and E60 EI30 one-hour external fire-rated flat entrance doorsets for each location.Gerda’s Technical Team and Contract Management worked closely with the building control team to ensure clear, fast, and consistent communication, particularly with non-standard scenarios that can arise during refurbishment projects in listed buildings and installed a range of fire doorsets to establish a uniform, smart aesthetic in the estate by using steel blue (RAL 5011) for the Front Entrance doors and White for the cross communal doorsets.In total, Gerda installed 461 Fire Exit Door (FED) replacements and 231 FD doorsets for cross-corridor doors, service rooms, Electrical Intake Cupboards (EICs), and dry risers.Challenges & SolutionsMinimizing disruption to residents was a primary challenge during the project. To address this, the work was carried out in phases, and residents were informed in advance through letters and collaboration with the City of London’s estate team prior to installation.When we began installations, efficient and effective communication with residents was achieved through SMS texting and liaison with GSP resident liaison officers when installation was about to commence.The Resident Liaison Officer visited each installation after completion to check for any snagging, which was also addressed the same day. The installation of the communal doorsets was done from the top floor down to minimize disruption and all doorsets were tailored to entranceways and carried a unique G-Smart code to ensure maximum security, traceability and fire safety.Gerda worked closely with the City of London Corporation to ensure timely completion within the allocated budget.Special consideration was given to residents in Whitby Court and Fairweather who required automatic entry systems due to disabilities. Gerda installed ED100 door closers with an AV2E lock, along with rubber neat slopes, to facilitate easy operation for wheelchair users and ensure a seamless threshold transition.Project ResultsThe replacement project received an outstanding response from residents, with an overall satisfaction score of 99.6% based on feedback from nearly 70% of residents. The high satisfaction score reflects the success of the project in meeting the safety and aesthetic objectives. As a result, Gerda Security Products has been awarded additional contracts (Lot 2 and Lot 3) by the City of London Corporation.“The build up of trust between departments and teams was self-evident and has really meant that all parties benefit, most importantly the residents, who were able to receive a quick responsive and positive service about any questions they had in relation to the fire doorset scheme.” says Alan Wootton, Programme Director, GSP. “ Having a presence from 7.30am until early evening really helped. Our resident liaison officers and contracts manager have been on hand to assist residents, particularly elderly residents, who prefer to talk face-to-face.”ConclusionThe York Way and Holloway Estate doorset replacement project exemplifies a successful collaboration between Gerda Security Products and the City of London Corporation. By delivering high-quality fire doorsets that prioritize safety and aesthetic consistency, Gerda ensured the residents’ well-being. The phased approach, effective communication, and special considerations for accessibility contributed to minimal disruption and high resident satisfaction. The project’s success underscores the importance of collaboration between contractors and clients in creating safe and visually appealing living environments.