"fire protection"

Deansgate Square, one of Manchester’s highest profile city centre residential developments, is using mechanical smoke control and ventilation solutions from SE Controls to protect residents by keeping corridors, stairwells and escapes routes clear of smoke, should an apartment fire occur.

Coopers Fire proudly installed multiple fire and smoke curtains in this iconic building in London.Coopers Fire was approached in 2013 to support multiple Architects and Fire Engineers to work through the difficult interface designs on the historic Battersea building that posed multiple challenges in incorporating smoke and fire strategies whilst maintaining the legacy build design.This was a great opportunity to once again put forward the innovative solutions that have attracted Architects to Coopers Fire on many occasions previously.These challenges followed with the introduction of bespoke curtain systems stretching the designs beyond the norm. There was also a need to carry out support testing to validate their capability and to offer comfort to the stakeholders.Coopers Fire offered continual support to the key stakeholders including the Architect and Fire Engineer community, giving them confidence in ongoing collaboration with Coopers Fire for future projects.The Coopers Fire product design and interfacing, complete with valid specifications, went a long way to assist a Contractors partnership decision in supplying and installing the finished product whilst enabling live design changes with the aligned Architect engaged on the project.The project required FireMaster® Concertina curtains 25m width and 12m in height of straight sections, with an integrity rating of 30 minutes.The Coopers Fire Concertina product portfolio allowed for 12m width and 8m height of straight length sections so the product needed re-designing and bespoke engineering to suit the requirements of the project.A specimen of the engineered solution was tested at an accredited fire testing lab. The specimen achieved 66 minutes integrity rating, without failure.The combined engineering design, testing and fire test data allowed Coopers Fire to meet the requirements of supplying a 25m wide and 12m high FireMaster® Open Concertina fire curtain.One major challenge of the large Concertina products was installation. The 12m drop Concertina fire curtains were installed successfully on site using a combination of scaffolding and mobile platforms and at some points with minimal headspace to work within.The Concertinas were so long that onsite redesign and engineering were required to ensure the bottom tray engaged perfectly with the headbox.The Concertina retaining guides were also so long they required onsite welding. A further four levels below the curtain drop, meant that total installation height was higher than 12 metres from the ground spanning over the voids either side of the bridge below.The Coopers Fire production and installation teams collaborated to manufacture the individual parts of the Concertina fabric off site to ensure the programme of installation was kept on time.Coopers Fire installed:47 x Vertical fire curtains7 x Concertina curtains32 x Vertical smoke curtainsThe team used for the Concertina installation specialise in this product and were able to overcome onsite challenges to ensure the huge Concertina fire curtains operated as expected and deployed effectively.

Kendrick Homes has selected DRU gas fires for ‘The Ridings’, a development of nine executive properties in the commuter village of Balsall Common, near Coventry. DRU Metro 100XT frameless gas fires are situated in six of the properties, with the other three having DRU Global 70XT models in fire surrounds. Both fires are balanced flue models, which do not require a chimney and are installed into a false chimneybreast. The fires have heat outputs of 7 kW, enough for a large living room. They feature realistic log fire displays and are operated by remote control.

ClientManchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) Market SectorHealthcare The Project BriefWythenshawe Hospital is a major acute teaching hospital part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). Its area of specialisms includes cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, heart and lung transplants as well as cancer and breast care services and supports patients from across the North West and beyond.During the upgrade of the Emergency Department (E.D) the team decided on both protection and preventative measures to ensure only the highest of standards were adhered to which were in line with the Hospital’s renowned reputation. The SolutionIntastop Ltd was chosen to supply and fit a range of protective products designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with the hospital aesthetics.They included Bed Head Protection, Hand Rails, Sanparrel® Wall Sheet and Corner Guards from the Inpro product range in addition to Intastop’s innovative I-Gienic Smooth Hygienic Sheet and Rigid Frame Guards. Impact protection sheet along with the other products installed at Wythenshawe Hospital boast a plethora of benefits including high impact resistance, Class ‘O’ Fire Rated; tested to BS476 Parts 6 & 7 and available in a variety of colours. Additional Benefits of Impact Protection SheetEnsures staff and patient safety in the event of a fire by maintaining fire integrity of the surface.Protects against localised damage.Maintains a clean, safe environmentAchieves colour contrast for critical surfaces to assist with visually impaired staff and patientsWhat the client saysMarcus Ashurst, project manager for the emergency department said“With a collaborative approach from the inception of the project through to completion, the Trust was mindful that the new emergency department operating 24 hours a day would require careful thought and consideration with regards to the finishes selected. With leading healthcare architects IBI plans were drafted with full engagement with the clinical teams to develop an extremely well-considered and effective design – fit for purpose.Working with Interserve, the principal supply chain partner appointed to construct the new development, Intastop were nominated to supply and install a fully comprehensive system of door and wall protection that would not only withstand and protect the built environment, but also enhance the aesthetics of the environment. The holistic approach taken and end result was indeed most satisfactory.”

Refurbished and remodelled in 2021 to become the headquarters for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Edinburgh, was the McDonald Road Fire Station. We were pleased to work with Robertson Construction, Smith Scott Mullan Associates and HSR Building Services to supply Argeton terracotta and Corium brick cladding to complete the project.

WJL Contracts have been providing high-quality, bespoke joinery solutions to some of the largest contractors in UK construction for over forty years. Known for their expertise and design flair, their fire-rated doorsets and panels have been installed in prestigious building projects spanning the education, entertainment, and commercial sectors. They also offer a full installation service which ensures that their fire-rated and acoustic products are installed competently, setting them apart from a lot of other joinery manufacturers. One of these projects was for Crawley Town Hall in West Sussex on behalf of Kier construction. They successfully delivered bespoke joinery and acoustic panelling doors, an elliptical ceiling, a feature wall, mirrors and kitchenettes. The team overcame significant challenges to hit the deadline including managing the installation of 2700 large 2.7m doors.Fire and Acoustic Seals Fire Door FoamTM and Intumescent Acrylic Sealant were used to install all fire-rated doorsets to guarantee their compliance. Joel Mayer, Buyer & Commercial Manager at WJL comments“We’ve been using Fire and Acoustic Seals’ own-label Fire Door FoamTM and Intumescent Acrylic Sealant on our large construction projects for many years. Our team particularly like the Fire Door FoamTM because they think the quality is excellent compared to others on the market, it’s quick and easy to install and it’s backed up by specific fire door test evidence.We also love the service we get from the team at Fire and Acoustic Seals which is why we’ve continued to work with them for over a decade. They’re incredibly reliable and have a fast turnaround service which ensures our onsite team are never without the products they need when they need them. This is really important to us as we are constantly working to tight deadlines.” For more details about this and other WJL projects visit https://wjlcontracts.co.uk/portfolioContact our team for more information about Fire Door FoamTM and Intumescent Acrylic Sealant.0121 521 2179 | sales@fireandacousticseals.co.uk 

Fire separation between floors reinstated with FireMaster® Fire Curtains

Television Centre in Shepherds Bush, West London, is the iconic former BBC HQ that was opened in 1960. Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and developers Stanhope have now created a multi-media environment that includes apartments, offices, studios, hotels, restaurants and retail, all based around the famous crescents that defined the original complex. DRU Metro 100XT/2 designer gas fires were specified for a selection of the apartments and were installed by DRU dealers Victoria Stone of Tunbridge Wells. They utilise the exclusive DRU PowerVent system, which enables the fires to be installed in apartment complexes and other challenging locations.

This development includes a tower that will exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa, and a sanctuary development with exclusive villas and a canal district. Sustainability is at the heart of development, with a road and transport network designed to minimize environmental impact, as well as various ecological initiatives, including artificial forests and open green spaces. In this project, it is being used the A2 Class fire rated weatherproofing membrane Effisus Vapour FR to protect façade from environmental agents with superior fire resistance, and the bi-adhesive tape Effisus 2Bond DS, to seal the connections on the façades.

The Palais Coburg in Vienna was bought by POK Pühringer, a private foundation, with the intention to convert it into a luxury hotel resort. The architect goal was to reveal and use the beauty of the old and well-preserved bricks beneath the entrance hall by building a skylight above it. Vetrotech recommended the use of Lite-Floor, a walkable fire-resistant glass solution, which resists fire for up to 30 minutes. This eye-catcher made of glass, features a special screen printing on its surface, which acts both as a design element and a protective anti-slip layer.

Project: 1 Aylesbury Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0DRClient: MeritcapeArchitect: Atum Design LabM&E consultant: EngDesignProtecting Cities Against Fire with Advanced GlazingDaylight-flooded spaces command a premium from tenants, but in the densest urban areas – where buildings are very tightly packed – it can be difficult to achieve. Not least because of the need to protect against the spread of fire.This was the challenge for developer Meritcape when they set out to refurbish 1 Aylesbury Street – a converted historic warehouse building in Clerkenwell, East London.The designers wanted to fill every floor of the building with natural light, from both the front and the back of the building by using floor-to-ceiling glazing on every floor. However, the rear of the property was just three metres away from a neighbouring building.To prevent fire spreading from one building to the next, building regulations specify the fire resistance that external walls need to be able to provide. This is given as minimum requirements for integrity – how long they can contain smoke and flames – and insulation, or how long they can prevent the escape of heat. Steve Bond, technical and customer support manager, fire, at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: “When you have two buildings this close together, standard glazing is not an option, as it doesn’t put up enough of a barrier to fire spreading outwards from the building.“That’s where fire-resistant glazing can make a big difference. By providing protection against fire while also letting light flow in, we can create light-filled spaces in very built-up parts of the city where not long ago it wouldn’t have been possible.“As well as sealing in flames and smoke for at least an hour, the glass also provides radiation shielding that reduces the amount of heat energy that can pass outwards through the glass – another key means of spreading fire.” The rear façade of the building is glazed in Pilkington Pyroclear® Plus insulating double-glazed units, delivering not only the right level of fire resistance, but have also been designed to give excellent thermal insulation (U-value) properties to reduce heat-loss from the building.Davood Kiani, Senior Project Consultant at Meritcape said: “Those looking for modern commercial space expect floorplans to be well lit with natural light, and this is one of the main design challenges when working with buildings in the most densely urban areas of the city.“Fire regulations are one of the big reasons for this, so Pilkington fire-resistant glazing means we can achieve the best of both worlds - a building that meets or exceeds all of the safety regulations while also feeling spacious and airy.”A total of 800 m2 of Pilkington glass was used in the project, including in the front façade of the building, in which hundreds custom-sized small double-glazed solar-control units were used to imitate the crittall steel-framed windows that are a signature feature of buildings in the area.Images by S G Photography

Architect: Frank Shaw AssociatesMain Contractor:  John Turner Construction GroupInstaller: Cubic FacadesLancaster Community Fire and Ambulance station was the first purpose built integrated fire and ambulance station in Lancashire. Designed by Frank Shaw Associates the project involved the construction of a new appliance bay while the facility remained fully active. Accommodating 2 fire engines, 7 ambulances and the North West Blood Bikes team. The bays are clad in Aztec Rainscreen faced with Peakmoor Sandstone in keeping with the area.Completed in September 2018 the stations Aztec cladding was fixed by Cubic Facades and has had excellent reviews including a commendation at the Lancaster & District Design Awards 2019.

The Friedrichscarrée is a modern office and retail complex in the center of Stuttgart.Named after the former king of Württemberg, Friedrich I., it is characterised by its modern architecture and glass front. In addition to numerous companies, it now also hosts retail, catering businesses and event spaces. The good access to public transportation and the close proximity to restaurants and cultural institutions, make Friedrichscarrée an attractive location for businesses and visitors.As the general contractor for the expansion, Lindner carried out an extensive interior construction - ranging from drywall work to floor systems and wall cladding. In addition to high-quality floor coverings and also partly automated partition walls, the special construction of the hollow floor FLOOR and more® for the pedestal in the barista bar was a central element of the revitalisation. Lindner hallway ceilings LMD, heating and cooling ceilings and acoustic sails were also installed to optimise room acoustics.Furthermore, GiB mbH supported Lindner in upgrading the existing fire protection. The entire conversion was carried out during ongoing business, which required precisescheduling of noise-intensive work.

ResQ-Window Fire Curtains Installed in new hotel at the refurbished Trocadero Building

Zaun was contracted to supply high security and anti-protestor fencing for leading fracking companies to protect their sites from trespass or intrusion by protesters.This case study investigates the fundamental role of temporary high-security fencing in protecting sites from protesters.Why was it important to protect the site?Fracking is a subject that often dominates the news and can generate heightened emotions. In addition, fracking regularly attracts protesters, resulting in the crucial necessity for site protection, such as high-security fencing.Protesters could pose a significant danger to the site's running and risk their own health if they could get onto the site.What Fencing Was Selected?Zaun installed two types of high-security temporary fencing systems to protect the site. One of these fencing systems was MultiFence temporary security fencing. Multifence is durable and mobile. In addition, concrete blocks are utilised for mounting the fencing, which can be a viable space-saving option and extremely secure and robust.The second temporary security fencing used at the fracking site was RDS Original, Zaun’s Rapid Deploy Fencing system. Why Were They Selected?Zaun’s Multifence system and RDS system are high-security solutions to temporary fencing needs. Both robust, strong and durable, they have extensive intrinsic security features that deliver the highest level of protection.Both systems have been mob tested, which means they can withstand considerable force from crowds. Thus, they are ideally suited for this purpose. Due to a lack of footholds, protesters cannot climb or scale the fence. This offers dual protection because not only does it prevent protesters from intruding onto the site, but it also significantly reduces the risk of injury to the protesters too.The Multifence and RDS systems have the potential for hostile vehicle mitigation security upgrades to the fencing if necessary. This can be crucial if there is the possibility of hostile vehicles attacking the site.As no ground penetration is necessary for installing either the Multifence or RDS, this protects the environment around the site’s perimeter. It also maintains the integrity of the site ground. They are also easily movable and redeployed over multiple sites.

Berkeley Homes’ flagship Woodberry Park apartment development in North London is using an advanced smoke and natural ventilation system from SE Controls to not only provide protection for residents in the event of a fire, but to also create a better environment by actively managing any excessive heat build up in corridors.

Spinnaker House is a residential building located at Battersea Reach, with views over the River Thames. It was designed by Broadway Malyan Architecture firm, with a contemporary specification, including full heigh glazing to enhance natural daylight. The location of the building is very attractive, because it offers prime transport links to London´s most fashionable area. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied, using an A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane.

Hospital Specifies TITAN Lite™ 120:60 From FIREFLY™An 18-month contract being carried out by a leading UK fire contractor has involved installing large quantities of the TITAN Lite™ 120:60, manufactured by TBA FIREFLY™, to create fire barriers above ceiling voids throughout many parts of the hospital.The hospital has 660 beds and provides medical and surgical care to a third of a million people with the building dating back to before the beginning of the Second World War. The refurbishment work, concluded at the end of November 2021, was being carried out by Plymouth based Ventro Ltd. whose operatives have had to work in many areas during the evenings and weekends in order to avoid disruption to the hospital’s everyday activities, including the treatment of patients.Following early appraisals of the fire protection requirements within the ageing property and taking into account the large quantities of different mechanical services to be accommodated into the upgrades, the hospital’s estates department decided to raise the specification for the work from 30 minutes integrity rating to a full two hours. The Site Agent for Ventro, John Roberts, commented: “As a specialist fire contractor working across the whole of the UK and beyond, we have employed FIREFLY™ products on many projects over the years and expect to continue doing so. In the early stages of this contract, which began on site in May 2020, it was thought APOLLO Lite™ 30 minutes would be appropriate, but the hospital then switched this to TITAN Lite™ 120:60. We have been installing the TITAN Lite™ in many parts of the hospital, including most recently in the ceiling voids over the kitchens. This has been done by fixing metal angles across the soffits and then using the special tape and staples to secure the fabric to it. Despite the large number of services making the number of penetrations to be deal with quite challenging, our teams find the FIREFLY™ relatively easy to install.”FIREFLY™ TITAN Lite™ 120:60 has been developed as a flexible fire barrier to provide compartmentation of larger concealed spaces within different types of buildings including factories, warehouses and railway stations.By offering 120 minutes integrity and 60 minutes insulation, TITAN Lite™ 120:60 exceeds the minimum requirements relating to Fire Barriers as detailed in the UK Building Regulations: Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Firefly is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabrics. 

Gradus has supplied and installed a range of wall protectionsolutions at the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre, helping to create an engaging, child-friendly atmosphere while making the building interior more hygienic, easier to clean and cheaper to maintain.The Gradus products installed include SureProtect Design wall cladding, finished with a bespoke printed design that shows a cartoon solar system to give the corridors a different feel to the wider hospital environment. The bespoke design is printed onto the back of a clear textured sheet meaning the cladding is easy to clean and features a textured surface to conceal the effects of impact and abrasion.Elsewhere in the hospital, Gradus installed its SureProtect Endure protective wall cladding, a durable layer of wall protection that is through-coloured and textured so surface damage does not show.Standard corner guards have also been installed, offering acost-effective solution to protect vulnerable corners, as well as door frame protectors also made from SureProtect Endure. All have been carefully positioned to provide maximum protection against the constant stream of pedestrian and wheeled traffic that hospitals experience.Gradus provided Leicester Royal Infirmary with its supply and fit service, which sees the dedicated Gradus Contracts Team take the project from initial survey to design, manufacture and through to installation.

The size and poorly insulated design of the Avon Fire & Rescue Service's existing building makes it uneconomically expensive to maintain and run. To address this, the building is being demolished in stages with a new fire station being built on a much smaller footprint. The energy performance of the building envelope was a key consideration. A target U-value of 0.23 W/m²·K was set for the walls of the building. To help achieve this Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was specified. This has allowed the Service to not only save lives, but also energy and money.

MJF Group completed the coating of Darlington Fire Station using RonaFloor HB200. The bays were completed using dark grey with the borders in brick red. Before the application of RonaFloor HB200, they were required to install a damp proof membrane and opted for our RonaFloor Epoxy DPM which can be applied to substrate with an RH of up to 97%.

County Sligo has been blessed with a brand-new luxury hotel, the internationally renowned Radisson SAS Hotel, where the comfort of guests and staff is of paramount importance. Every precaution has also been taken to ensure the safety of residents including the installation of high quality, clear view fire-resistant glass products, Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur®, which have been fitted extensively throughout the entire hotel.Pilkington Pyrodur® is a laminated glass with a special interlayer, developed for the optimum combination of minimum thickness, integrity fire resistance and impact performance. In a fire, the glass forms an opaque barrier to exclude flames and hot gases as well as blocking the sight of the fire, hence reducing panic. In addition to its integrity performance Pilkington Pyrodur® reduces the transfer of radiant heat significantly.Jackie Corcorran of main contractor, J J Rhatigan & Co. Galway was closely involved in the specification of the specialised glass alongside White Bros. Joinery Sligo & Jim Walsh of Greaney Glass Galway. 160 m2 of 10 mm Pilkington Pyrodur® with a 30-minute integrity rating was installed within the corridors of the building. In other areas where there is a slightly greater risk of fire, such as the kitchen area, internal doors and function room screens, were fitted with 21 mm Pilkington Pyrostop®, which provides 60 minutes fire integrity and insulation.Specialist glass & glazing contractors, Greaney Glass, were responsible for installing the fire-resistant glass and Ivan Greaney, Managing Director, comments: “For such a prestigious project it was imperative we used a fire-resistant glass we could trust. There could be hundreds of people within the hotel at any one time so we needed to use materials that would provide maximum protection under the most extreme circumstances. As Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur® are backed by a full suite of impact and fire performance tests, we had no doubts that this was the ideal glass for this project.”Pilkington Pyrostop® and Pilkington Pyrodur® provide excellent levels of protection and have been tested and assessed to BS and EN standards. Not only do they offer excellent fire-resistance they also fully comply with impact safety tests and permit safe breakage in the manner of a laminated glass. In addition, they provide acoustic improvement over standard fire-resistant glass, an important consideration in the hotel that offers a peaceful and relaxing retreat for guests.

The purpose of this development is making the re-cladding of an existing building removing Aluminium Composite Material insulation and cement particle board and replacement with new 3mm aluminium cladding and associated works. The new building will include a mixed tenure unit of 138 one, two and three bed apartments. It’s design was developed by the PRP Architects. Its design was developed by the PRP Architects. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied, using an A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane.

Refurbishment of terrace with Class A fire rated non-combustible decking system. Exadeck porcelain decking boards were fitted to Wallbarn aluminium rail substructure with Class A MetalPad EX adjustable height pedestals. Retro-fitting of entire terrace to comply with fire regulations Approved Doc B and BS 8579.

Whitby Hospital is a Community Hospital providing inpatient, outpatient and community services. Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust provides community and out of hours services to Whitby and surrounding areas, and currently has a population of approximately 14,000 residents. A selection of Gradus Wall Protection systems alongside Gerflor flooring was specified for this critical ProCure 22 project.

As part of the £25 million Wolverhampton Academy Trust sponsored Bilston Academy, BCL are proud to have been part of the overall process. This project was delivered through the BSF programme by Carillion PLC and was designed by Capita. The academy was designed with the ability to deliver a modern multi-disciplinary education centre for the 1200 students of Wolverhampton Academy in mind. The building is made up of 4 differently themed zones, a dedicated engineering hub, a science super-lab and a combination of grass and astro-turf sports pitches.Using 69 x 44 mm of Siberian Larch, the external walls were covered, with the timber installed vertically at 100 mm to form an open screen detail across the building, including the plant room and roof areas. Each slat was treated to Class 0 SSF, using the non-com impregnation system from Lonza Wood Protection. In doing this, BCL ensured the building would have complete fire protection for its entire life without requiring any maintenance.As per all BCL panel systems everything was designed and pre-fabricated off site into a panellised system, fitted using secret fixings. Installation time was dramatically reduced along with on-site waste, meaning the 3000 m2 envelope was constructed quickly and efficiently.Client: Wolverhampton AcademyArchitect: CapitaContractor: Carillion PLCLocation: WolverhamptonCompletion: April 2013 Siberian LarchFSC CertifiedSecret FixingsClass 0 SSF

The new, purpose-built Community Fire and Police Station on a two acre site in Prescot required a durable surface for the main yard area, car park and access road. This was a large site, incorporated three fire engine bays, a practice drill tower and community meeting rooms. Having replaced two local fire stations it was expected to be a busy station used by a range of vehicles. With each fire engine weighing up to 13 tonnes and using power-assisted steering the new surface would be subject to extreme turning forces. It would need to offer long-term durability and loss of aggregate due to surface abrasion. After considering the options, Tarmac’s ULTIPHALT HD was chosen, a tough, high performance 10mm asphalt with advanced modified binder. ULTIPHALT HD has been proven to deliver enhanced resistance in challenging environments like container ports and distribution centres. The modified binder enhances durability but also helps to maintain workability and aid compaction, even in low temperatures.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service recently commissioned Norwich-based Cooks Industrial Doors to replace failing vehicle access doors at Long Melford Fire Station in rural Suffolk. As a major reseller and installer, Cooks contacted Jewers Doors to design and manufacture state-of-the-art sliding-folding doors which would replicate the style of the original doors.

The contractor was relaying a waterproof membrane immediately above the London Aquarium and naturally the client was concerned about leaks with such precious livestock beneath. The waterproofing was torch-on bituminous felt membrane, due to be covered with road grade asphalt. Protecto-board was laid onto the waterproofing and secured with tape. It was cut to shape around the curbs cleanly and effectively without leaving vulnerable areas and without delaminating or crumbling, or leaching bitumen. It protected the waterproofing from temporary construction process damage and permanently protected it when covered with hot road grade asphalt afterwards

BMI The Somerfield Hospital is part of BMI Healthcare, a leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals. Gradus SureProtect Pure hygienic wall protection in White was specified for use in the anaesthetic and sluice rooms, specifically designed for areas of a hospital where cleanliness is a priority, the hygienic wall cladding creates an impermeable barrier to moisture and bacteria and has a smooth, easy to clean surface. It offers a tough and durable finish helping to protect against impact and abrasion from passing equipment, trolleys and beds, thus reducing any ongoing repair and maintenance costs.

The school underwent a complete refurbishment in September 2015 and chose to use a very pale blue paint scheme throughout most of the building. Within 3 months the areas within the school that see heavy traffic, including corridors and the dining hall had begun to show signs of scuffing and wear, due to the pupils knocking against the walls with their bags. The site manager at the school was concerned by the level of damage and began to consider wall protection products to combat the problem. Gradus supplied and fitted the school with wall protection solutions to prevent further damage.

Gradus Wall Protection products have been fitted throughout the £350m Grange University Hospital, the first major hospital to be built in Wales in more than two decades. Hannah Capel, Senior Programme Manager at The Grange University Hospital, commented: "It is now widely accepted that creating a positive environment in healthcare settings has a significant impact on patients’ wellbeing.The wall protection installed by Gradus provides a hygienic solution and the wonderful designs create a less institutional and more relaxing environment for our patients, which benefits them considerably."

The new corporate headquarters for Mellon Bank comprises offices and a trading floor, and is located on the site of the former Times Newspaper Headquarters in Queen Victoria Street. The site falls within one of the designated Strategic View Corridors, intended to protect long distance views of St Paul's Cathedral and the roof terrace provides the perfect place for employees to meet, relax and enjoy the great views.Buzon were specified to supply and install 20mm external porcelain tiles on BC-FR class B fire-rated adjustable pedestals on the roof terrace and access stairwell, along with fire-rated spacer tabs and shims.

The Guernsey Airport Fire Station, dedicated to preventing plane fires, is strategically situated near the airfield for swift emergency response. G4S Secure Solutions (Guernsey) LTD, representing the Guernsey fire service, commissioned the project. HAG Ltd assisted in installing four electrically operated Q Doors, opting for a product with thermal features and effortless operation over traditional sectional overhead doors.

A fault-tolerant network of MxPro 5 intelligent fire panels from Advanced was chosen to protect the 3Ts Redevelopment programme at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.A total of 36 4-loop MxPro 5 panels, 46 repeater panels and two custom-built AdSpecials panels from Advanced were installed as part of 3Ts, a construction programme to modernise the front half of the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Phase one involved the construction of a 13-storey building with two basement levels. Incorporating all the functions of a modern hospital. The building includes a three-storey atrium reception, outpatient departments, operating theatres, wards, a teaching facility and administration facilities.The fire system was installed by the team at Essex-based EA-RS Fire Engineering Ltd, who installed Advanced’s industry-leading MxPro 5 fire panels alongside bespoke sprinkler indication and ventilation override panels, all linked to approximately 5,000 Hochiki devices.

PaxLock Pro, Net2 and Entry Provide Robust, Wireless Access ControlHumberside Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for the fire and rescue service across the East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, and North and North East Lincolnshire, serving a population of almost one million people. Providing a professional and skilled emergency response service; 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service also offer a range of other services and functions, including assistance with animal rescue, dangerous chemical spillages, local and wide area flooding, road traffic collisions, aircraft and railway incidents.RequirementThe Fire and Rescue Service required an access control solution that could secure multiple sites on a single system. The system needed to be robust and reliable, to maintain the security of the premises whilst allowing ease of entry and exit when responding to an emergency. Flexible access permissions across 12 of the fire stations in the region were also essential.Humberside Fire and Rescue Service worked with Delta Security Systems Ltd to recommend an access control solution that could meet their requirements. Based in Hull, Delta Security Systems supply electronic security systems for domestic and commercial use. They recommended Paxton’s flagship access control system; Net2, with PaxLock Pro; wireless access control in a door handle, and Entry; IP video door entry.Type of sitePublic Sector; Emergency Response LocationHull, UK Number of sites/doors/users12 sites260 doors300+ users Solution requiredManage and control access to all fire stations in the regionFlexible access permissions for short term site accessPin and token authentication for increased site security ResultRead in/read out access control providing fullaudit trail of who is on siteSecure fully manned and on-call stations withcentralised access managementRobust, multi-site access control solutionCentral management with remote access capabilities Paxton products usedPaxLock ProNet2 Plus ControllersNet2Air BridgeNet2 SoftwareEntry Standard panelEntry Standard MonitorP50 ReadersKP75 Readers