George Elliot House Fire Safety Works (project AB122)

Condition Survey

The Principal Designer (PD) where appointed (or Principal Contractor where no PD duty holder is in place) is required to carry out their own condition survey of the block and produce a schedule of works in order to satisfy the deficiencies set out in the Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and NOD. Pre-existing information regarding the condition of the building has been provided in the Initial Pre-Construction Information (IPCI) in Appendix 1.The PC is to inform the Client where additional survey or inspections are required to develop the Pre-Construction Information (PCI) and inform the design process.The PC is required to complete a pre-commencement condition survey within all areas likely to be affected by the works, which shall contain written and photographic evidence of the existing conditions. The PC is to identify any areas of concern that may result in additional works being necessary, together with proposed remedial recommendations, within the scope of works. The condition survey is to be agreed with Westminster City Council (WCC) client representative and upon conclusion of the works the PC is to ensure the condition of any areas affected by the works are handed over to WCC in no worse a condition than at pre-commencement stage.A fire risk assessment of the communal areas of the block was carried out by Savills in December 2019 (see Appendix 1).

Access Required

The Service Provider will need to acquaint themselves with the access arrangements available and provide block-specific proposals to facilitate the works necessary. It is anticipated that these proposals will be optimised to provide the best value-for-money project-wide access proposals.Access will also be required into the residents’ properties to undertake the works elements described.All access proposals are to be identified and fully costed by the Service Provider within their PEP. Should there be any reason that specific access arrangements cannot be fully evaluated and costed for then the Service Provider should identify these together with a defined Provisional allowance within their PEP for each specific item/ area.

Fire Door Works to front entrance doors and communal doors

The service provider is to carry out fire doorset works to all tenant front entrance doors, lessee front entrance doors (opt-in) and communal doors. These works will be based on the condition surveys produced by the PC.All fire doorsets installations are to be undertaken by an accredited third-party installation company of an appropriate ‘industry-recognised’ body in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction, industry recognised best practice and BS 8214:2016. Gaps between the frame and aperture should be adequately sealed as per the primary test data, BS 8214:2016 or the manufacturer’s instructions. A full report should be provided on completion of the works, to include photos of the installation or upgrade process to each propertyNote - All replacement doorsets to be replaced with purpose made, pre-assembled FD30s or, if specified, FD60s rated doorsets, independently tested and approved by third-party certification to BS 476:1987 parts 22 and 31.1 and/or BS EN 1634-1 when tested to both sides. Doors shall also achieve Secure by Design accreditation, PAS 24. It is expected that doors and doorsets will comply fully with the WCC Fire Door Performance Specification contained in Appendix 8. All fire doorsets and doors shall have FSC chain of custody or PERF COC certification. Note: Globally assessed door assemblies are not acceptable. Third Party Accredited door upgrades to be displayed by sticker/plug on door sets

Fire stopping

The PC is required to carry out a condition survey to determine the current level of fire stopping. All condition surveys should be done in line with the recommendations highlighted within the FRA and any other surveys the PC feels is required.Fire stopping to the block should be carried out where required and all installations should be certified to provide a minimum of 60 minutes protection between compartments.All fire stopping installations are to be undertaken by an accredited third-party installation company of an appropriate ‘industry-recognised’ body in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction and in line with industry recognised best practice.Service Provider to refer to Appendix 8 for specification requirements.

Asbestos Removal

For notifiable, fully controlled works, the following will apply;The work will be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal contractor and each site notified to the relevant enforcing authority at least 14 days prior to commencement of the work. A decontamination unit will be located at a suitable site as close to the work area as practical and routes for transiting to and from the work area will be signed. An enclosure constructed using 1000-gauge polythene will built around the work area and once checked for integrity, will be put under negative pressure using a suitable negative pressure unit. Asbestos will be removed in a safe efficient manner by the adoption of fibre suppression methods. Once complete, an independent analyst will carry out a four-stage clearance and issue a certificate of re-occupation if and when the works are completed to the correct standard.

Reinstatement Works

Where Asbestos has been removed, and has compromised fire compartmentation or fire protection, reinstatement should be with a board of suitable fire rating to comply with FDR60.For other areas where asbestos has been removed, the area should be encapsulated with 2 x coats of ET150 and labelled where appropriate.

Asbestos Management

A copy of the existing asbestos management and asbestos R&D surveys have been supplied in the IPCI in Appendix 1.If it is determined that additional surveys are required before remediation works can be completed, these will be instructed by the PCThe Service Provider is to ensure that any subcontractor undertaking asbestos removal works as part of The Works, fulfils the clients licence requirements and are deemed competent to undertake the required works.

Other Potentially Hazardous Circumstances

In addition to Asbestos management (as noted above), there may be other potentially hazardous circumstances that the Service Provider will need to address. Other hazards that may be present or that need considering include but are not limited to:Lead PaintDustVentilation of Solvents and FumesNoiseOther Hazardous SubstancesUndertake all surveys as necessary with approval from WCC to establish the existence of all potentially hazardous materials, substances and/ or environmental conditions. Procure and execute all works necessary to clear away any such hazards to the extent necessary in order to facilitate future surveys and execution of The Works. Provide recommendations for any additional measures that may be deemed necessary to prevent re-contamination.

H&S File and O&M Manual

Provide Health and Safety File and Operating & Maintenance manuals for all systems associated with The Works, to include (but not limited to);As-built drawings, specifications etc. Manufacturers details and warranties (as applicable)All details as noted above relating to Building Regulation 38

Asset Tagging

Appoint an asset tagging company (Stics AMS or approved equivalent) to carry out the installation, programming and commissioning of asset tags to new items upon completion of works.All main plant and equipment components associated with the works are to be scheduled by the Service Provider within their PEP. The Service Provider is to provide a proposed Asset Tagging Register of all components for review and approval by WCC.