GMIT Galway Fire Escape

About This Project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project consisted of separate elements of works:

• Proposed new escape staircase and enclosure
• New escape door to existing stairwell and associated works

This project involved works to bring the campus in line with current fire building regulations.

Area A required a new internal escape stair exit from the first floor to the exterior on the ground floor. A new two storey building was constructed in blockwork to house the insitu concrete stairs which spanned across a pedestrian access route underneath. As a result of the new stairwell building location the college foul and surface sewers were diverted. The new building was constructed over the underground building heating pipe chamber resulting in strengthening of the chamber.

A new disable refuge area was constructed on the first floor. With a refuge call station installed linked back to the college reception.

Area B involved the construction of a new double escape door to the exterior on the ground floor. The main challenge in this area was the requirement to lower the ground level internally and externally to allow the installation of the new door under the existing stairs landing. The existing foundation ground beam was underpinned cut and removed to allow the door to fit. The internal floor was lowered and step access provided in accordance with Part M regulations. A ramp was provided externally to allow access to the external lowered ground area.

All existing voids were fireproofed and new fire alarm, security alarm, lighting and emergency lighting installed and linked to the existing college system. Access doors to the escape doors are controlled with mag locks linked to the fire alarm. An AOV was also installed on the first floor linked to the fire alarm system.

While the college was in full use by students for the duration of this project, Kenaidan carefully managed this project so as to prevent any disturbance to the college activities or its staff members.