West Suffolk College – Educational Passive Fire Safety, Bury St Edmunds

An initial inspection was carried out to assess 719 fire door sets alongside all compartmentation walls and ceilings. Following this, LAC worked closely with the client and appointed risk assessor to develop a detailed, risk-based scope of works. This was structured into a phased 3 year programme, prioritising high-risk elements while establishing a long-term strategy for ongoing compliance, inspection, and maintenance.

All high risk fire stopping works and critical fire door replacements were completed in Year 1, followed by further fire door replacements in Year 2, with final-stage maintenance and lower risk door replacements delivered in Year 3. All replacement fire doors and fire stopping works were installed and certified under the BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door and Fire Stopping Installation Schemes, with maintenance works certified under BlueSky Certification Fire Door Maintenance where applicable.

This project has developed into an ongoing working relationship, with LAC continuing to support the client across a wider portfolio of educational sites, managing compartmentation, fire door assets, compliance, and planned maintenance programmes.

Supply and installation of pre-hung, factory-certified fire door sets in accordance with BM TRADA Q-Mark requirements, including on-site making good and decoration to architraves following installation

Full removal and responsible disposal of existing door sets

Phased deliveries and installation planning within a live educational environment

Installation of fire stopping solutions across a range of environments, including plant rooms, ceiling voids, main escape routes, and roof spaces

Associated dry lining works to support and maintain compliant fire stopping around service penetrations

Full digital certification and “golden thread” fire safety records via cloud-based software

Detailed specification of over 200 individual door sets to ensure suitability for each room’s specific use and compliance requirements

Programme delivery carefully scheduled around college holiday periods to minimise disruption, with evening and weekend working implemented where required

Coordination of high-volume deliveries within a restricted and operational campus environment

Close liaison with caretaker teams to manage daily access arrangements and ensure correct key suite allocation for replacement door sets

Identification of asbestos within ceiling voids in areas requiring fire stopping works, with works safely coordinated alongside the client’s appointed specialists prior to commencement

LAC adopted a structured and collaborative approach to ensure safe and efficient delivery:

Coordination with the site teams in the form of GANTT charts to obtain access and complete a full pre-installation measurement survey.

Coordination between fire stopping and fire door teams, to ensure compartment areas are fully secured, including securing voids above suspended ceilings over new door sets.

Development of a detailed door specification to over 200 door sets, agreed with the client, with factory sprayed paints and our trusted decorations teams working in conjunction with our installers to finish architraves on site.

Programming and coordination of manufacturing lead times and installation dates with the site team.

Phased deliveries to site to maintain organisation and efficiency, using environment controlled storage containers in designated locations.

Controlled removal of existing doors and disposal using provided on-site waste facilities

Comprehensive, task-specific RAMS and toolbox talks produced for each work activity and building

Programme delivery scheduled during college holiday periods to reduce risks associated with live student environments

Regular quality and health & safety inspections carried out by Project Managers and accredited BM TRADA / BlueSky certification supervisors, with additional audits by the Project Liaison Officer to monitor workmanship, compliance, and site safety

Detailed review of asbestos registers and on-site labelling to ensure all fire stopping works were undertaken safely and away from any identified asbestos-containing materials

Full programme successfully completed and handed over

Zero defects and zero incidents recorded throughout delivery

Fully certified or risk approved fire door certification records for every installation or maintenance

Fully compliant or risk approved fire stopping records for every installation

Consistent, modernised internal environments delivered to specification

Complete golden thread of fire safety information issued and securely archived digitally

Strong client satisfaction and continued engagement on further works