In 2021, Optimum experienced another year of uncertainty within the construction industry. With both COVID and Brexit exacerbating material availability and putting unprecedented strain on the supply chain.
However, Optimum is delighted to have navigated through the turbulence of 2021 and ended the year on a high, and are very proud to announce that the Optimum Fire Stopping team won Best Installation Project of the Year for their contribution to The Grange University Hospital (SCCC) project in Llanfrechfa, Wales.
passive fire protection
Optimum has been a member of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection for a few years and it is an honor to have won such a prestigious award. The ASFP is dedicated to the protection of life, property, the environment, and their heritage and promotes continuous improvement in all aspects of passive fire protection.
Working with Government and international standard-setting bodies both directly, and via other sector group associations, they endeavor to increase the quality of installed fire protection within all forms of construction.
Director's comment
I am extremely proud of our team for successfully delivering a highly complex project at The Grange University Hospital"
Managing Director Simon Britton had this to say on picking up the award, “Firstly, I would like to thank ASFP for recognizing our achievement. We are extremely honored to have received such a significant award, as voted for by our revered colleagues at the ASFP."
"I am extremely proud of our team, headed up by our Firestopping Manager Chris Fitzpatrick, for successfully delivering a highly complex project at The Grange University Hospital."
Project installation of the Year
"I would also like to thank our client, Laing O Rourke, for trusting us with such a prominent project, particularly with the fire prevention industry under intense scrutiny in recent years."
"Thank you for recognizing our determination to successfully overcome the challenges this project presented. It was great to be a key part of a truly collaborative team and even more satisfying to be awarded the Project installation of the Year for our contribution. “
fire protection
OFS worked in partnership with specialist suppliers such as Rockwool and Hilti to provide high-level fire protection
The award-winning project, for Laing O’Rourke, was a newly constructed £350 million 471-bed hospital providing complex specialist and critical care treatment for over 600,000 people in South-East Wales and included a 24-hour acute assessment unit and emergency department.
OFS worked in partnership with specialist suppliers such as Rockwool and Hilti to provide high-level fire protection throughout the project. Acoustic batt penetrations ensured that the appropriate decibel range was achieved in all rooms, all of which varied depending on individual privacy specifications.
immediate assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues, to put extreme pressure on the UK and subsequent healthcare services The Aneurin Bevin Health Board sought immediate assistance from Laing O’Rourke and their supply chain to open this hospital even earlier than originally scheduled.
The SCCC hospital had the potential to play a significant part in assisting the Welsh government in their response to the pandemic and Optimum was eager to assist.
Achieving project goals
It is a pleasure working with such a professional dedicated forward-thinking company who are solutions-focused"
The incredible team of fire stoppers, unprecedented in their numbers, were required to work over and beyond a normal working week, often on-site Saturday and Sunday on top of double shifts and it was this collaborative effort and dedication from the team which delivered such an important ward well ahead of time.
Client Laing O’Rourke’s Project Director, Mike Lewis had this to say about our Fire Stopping team “It is a pleasure working with such a professional dedicated forward-thinking company who are solutions-focused whilst supporting the client (NHS) in achieving their goals.”
key project statistics
- 25,000 passive fire penetration seals
- 22,000 acoustic seals
- 7,000 linear meters of cavity barriers
- 45 accredited installers
- 5 on-site supervisors & 4-man strong management team
- £1.2m project value
- Project duration of 14 months
- Early project delivery/handover (how many months?) to open hospital wings early to aid pandemic efforts
passive fire protection and safety
The fire industry is constantly having to adapt to necessary reforms, the introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021, the official unveiling of PAS9980 as well as the passage of the Building Safety Bill were all announced.
The focus on passive fire protection and safety on all new and existing buildings has never been greater and continues to be one of Optimum’s biggest strategic priorities across the business.
