Fire Protection Upgrades in a 1960s Oxford Residential Block
Client: A Private Residents Association
Project: Enhancing Resident Safety: Fire Protection Upgrades in a 1960s Oxford Residential Block
Department: Fire Solutions (Property)
Date of completion: October 2024
Budget: £50,000
Summary
In Autumn 2024, a Private Resident Association appointed our ODS Fire Solutions team to deliver a comprehensive fire safety upgrade to a 1960s residential block in North Oxford. This was a landmark project for us—our first private B2B contract for fire safety solutions—marking a key milestone in expanding our services to external customers.
Requirements
The project required a full fire safety upgrade for a 1960s residential block, commissioned by a Private Residents Association. This included surveying the site and installing 12 new flat entrance doors, each rated to 30 minutes fire resistance and supplied by JCK Joinery. In addition, replacing two electrical cupboard doors that were not fire compliant as they contained the mains consumer units for the building. The scope also involved upgrading the emergency lighting throughout the block and improving fire-stopping measures in the loft area to enhance overall fire containment and resident safety.
Challenges
Coordinating access to multiple occupied residential flats, requiring careful scheduling and ongoing communication with residents.
Minimising disruption in a fully occupied building while maintaining safety and professionalism on-site.
Adapting to last-minute changes and availability constraints, demanding a high level of flexibility from the team.
Solution
To address the access challenges and ensure smooth delivery, our team worked closely with the housing association to create a detailed and flexible schedule that accommodated residents’ varying availability. The on-site team maintained a professional, courteous presence throughout the project, adjusting plans as needed and ensuring minimal disruption. High standards of workmanship were upheld across all elements of the project, from door installation to fire-stopping and lighting upgrades, with a strong emphasis on compliance and safety.
Results
The project was delivered on time and to a high standard. The building now benefits from enhanced fire protection measures that meet current regulations and significantly improve resident safety. Key risk areas, such as flat entrances, communal cupboards, and loft spaces, have all been upgraded, contributing to a more secure and compliant living environment.
Feedback
"We have been very impressed by the organisation of your team led by Colin, the standard of the work by the team on site and their care and general pleasantness to all the occupiers." Tim Del Nevo - A local resident representing the Private Residents Association.
