KFS Services E-book 2024 - Flipbook - Page 23
Kiwa Fire Safety Compliance
The project is situated in
Westminster’s conservation area
within central London. The project
involved construction of affordable
housing where Kiwa Fire Safety
were contracted by the owner of
the building to undertake the Fire
Guardian Service.
Notting Hill
Genesis,
Fire Safety
Guardian
Service
The Challenge
The project involved the refurbishment, alteration, and vertical extension of historic Victorian
buildings (built circa 1882). The vertical extension included a steel frame with SFS infill, adding an
extra floor to the existing structures. The scope also features the addition of balconies, construction
of cycle and refuse stores, lift and staircases. Features of the existing structure needed to be
retained which posed challenges.
As construction quickly progressed without a regard to the fire safety design information, critical
details were overlooked (such as the structural fire protection to the new steel structure and
firestopping details). Kiwa raised these concerns throughout the construction period, but the
contractor chose to prioritise the programme deadlines.
The Solution
Kiwa’s involvement from the early
design stage and their regular site
visits provided invaluable insights
during the construction works. In these
visits key fire safety elements were
not witnessed. Kiwa questioned the
contractor throughout the construction
period, but the contractor chose to
progress regardless.
The Outcome
Kiwa conducted a detailed review that
identified critical fire safety issues in
the building, prompting the contractor
to address and remediate these
concerns, which reassured the housing
provider. Kiwa also reviewed the
associated handover documentation,
thoroughly examining and challenging
critical components.
Kiwa’s inspection findings proved
invaluable when the contractor
attempted to hand over the building.
Kiwa challenged the attempted
handover on the Housing Associations
behalf (using their technical expertise
and the information gathered through
the project). As a result, the contractor
was required to undertake significant
remedial work. Without Kiwa’s
assistance, the housing association
would not have been aware of these
defects before occupancy and would
have been left with an unsafe building.
This process enabled the housing
provider to take ownership of the
site with a clear understanding of
the fire safety strategy and their
potential implications for the building
management team.
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