Project Overview
Firerite was appointed by Newydd Housing Association to undertake the full replacement of fire doors at Alltwen, a residential complex for older residents in Aberdare. The works involved removing and replacing 107 complete silver plug doorsets, each meeting the required fire safety standards, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents.
The project took place within a live, fully occupied environment, requiring careful planning, phased delivery, and stringent health and safety measures to protect both residents and staff.
Challenges
- Live environment: All works had to be carried out with residents in situ, ensuring safety, security, and minimal disruption.
- Multiple floors: Coordinating access and material movement across three levels without blocking emergency escape routes.
- Sensitive setting: Working around elderly and potentially vulnerable residents, requiring respectful communication and considerate working hours.
- Phased approach: The project was split into 11 planned phases to ensure safe progression and controlled access to work areas.
Solution
Our team implemented a detailed programme of works, developed in collaboration with the client and building management.
Key measures included:
- Resident liaison: Inviting residents to a coffee morning, pre contract to explain the process and present the products to be used.
Providing advance notice of works, explaining the process, and accommodating special access needs.
- Segregated work zones: Using barriers and signage to ensure safety, while maintaining essential building functions.
- Daily cleaning and waste removal: Keeping communal areas clean and hazard-free at all times.
- Efficient sequencing: Each phase was carefully timed to allow immediate completion of each doorset, avoiding extended disruption.
Results
- 107 fully compliant silver plug doorsets installed in line with FIRAS and manufacturer specifications.
- Zero safety incidents throughout the project.
- On-time delivery across all 11 phases, despite the challenges of working in a live environment.
- Positive feedback from the client and residents on professionalism and minimal disruption.
Summary
The Alltwen project demonstrated Firerite’s capability to deliver large-scale, safety-critical door installations in sensitive, live environments. Through meticulous planning, strong client communication, and experienced site management, we ensured compliance, safety, and resident satisfaction from start to finish.
