‘Plus Approach’ project becomes FPA Australia award finalist
Tom Dooley Developments is known for their pursuit of providing an uncompromising approach to quality and commitment for their customers, by designing and building developments with extraordinary quality, exclusive locations, and exceptional lifestyles.
Over the last year, Plus Systems was able to work with their team by providing our third-party certification service “The Plus Approach” as they undertook the construction of Gasworks Residences, standing at 16 stories with almost 200 units.
In a previous development, the building’s passive fire was subjected to intense scrutiny when the body corporate carried out a 12-month defects review, so our goal was to give the builder peace of mind that they had met their obligations regardless of any reviews.
We were engaged to provide full third party quality assurance for all passive fire issues in the building. All of the sub trades used their own fire stopping companies, however, we provided another ‘set of eyes’ by being progressively onsite for the duration. Works included the following:
Creating a prototype of all walls and of all of the expected penetrations in the risers in the building expected to penetrate these, for future reference by ALL trades on site for the duration
The prototype wall identified and addressed any issues before starting, the location of services was pre planned allowing for correct separation.
The creation of this wall formed comprehensive training for all of the trades on site – plumbers, electricians, HVAC, and active and dry fire – who were going to be involved in the fire stopping
Reviewed all proposed tested systems to be used on site and reviewed test reports for compliance in multiple scenarios, this identified any limitations in tested systems
Identified cost savings by using alternative tested systems
Reviewed over 10 fire rated wall systems for compatibility and compliance
Weekly inspections and reports which identified and resolved any complicated issues or clashes before they became an issue.
We were able to recommend the introduction of Trafalgar Fyreboxs to service risers which allowed 1 penetration instead of 28, enabling better co-ordination, sequencing, and more clarity for all trades on where to run their services.
Full review of all Penetration registers and Form 16s to ensure documentation was compliant before sending to building certifier.
One of the key challenges with this type of project is ensuring the most efficient works program, and that hold points for inspections do not delay the program. The pre-planning and collaboration with all trades on scheduling, timing for inspections during construction ensured the worksite was more co-operative and more effective. This also made it a more positive experience on site with continual positive feedback to this effect. At close out there was confidence that all bases for passive fire compliance had been covered.
“Engaging PLUS Systems to perform a third-party review of the fire systems proposed by trade contractors gave TDD peace of mind that the building would achieve total compliance and withstand any future scrutiny. The PLUS team were proactive in their consulting and certifying role and worked in seamlessly with TDD and its trade contractors. We’ll definitely take the same approach next project” Tom Dooley
What’s more, we are pleased to say that these efforts have allowed Plus Systems (Plus Passive Fire) to become a finalist for the FPAA Fire Protection Project of the year under 1 million, 2018.
If you’d like more information, or to see how ‘The Plus Approach’ can benefit your next project call 1800 PASSIVE or contact us via plus@plus.systems