In the construction industry, unforeseen challenges are inevitable, but one of the most critical scenarios we've faced involved stepping in after the sudden bankruptcy of a fire contractor mid-project. The project in question was a luxury residential building in central London, where the fire system contract was divided into two: contract one (shell & core) covered landlord areas, while contract two (fit-out) focused on the apartments and residential communal spaces. It was contract two that required our immediate intervention.

Imagine being midway through a vital project when the fire alarm contractor declares bankruptcy. This wasn’t merely an inconvenience; it had the potential to derail the entire project. Our expertise was urgently sought to meet with stakeholders and devise a plan that would ensure the project's timely completion, while maintaining operational requirements and compliance with BS5839-1 and BS5839-6 standards, which govern fire alarm system design certification.

While many firms might hesitate to assume responsibility for a project after such a major setback, On Point Associates viewed this as an opportunity to showcase our capabilities. Understanding the project's critical nature, we proposed a comprehensive solution to take over the design responsibility and ensure the successful completion of the fit-out.

Time was of the essence, and we acted swiftly. Our plan was precise, aimed at getting the project back on track while certifying every apartment's fire alarm system and the communal areas. Key actions included:

• Conducting a detailed review of employer requirements, fire strategy, and design information up to that point.

• Performing intrusive site surveys to establish a firm foundation for design certification.

• Preparing a comprehensive report outlining findings and recommendations to ensure compliant systems.

• Developing and submitting design certifications in line with BS5839-1 and BS5839-6.

• Offering ongoing professional indemnity insurance coverage for six years post-completion.

We also highlighted to stakeholders the risk that integrated systems could deviate from legislative standards due to the split between shell & core and fit-out contracts. To mitigate this, we proposed a verification process to ensure full compliance. This involved:

• A thorough review of technical submittals, layout drawings, system schematics, and fire strategy documentation.

• Additional site surveys to verify design proposals.

• A complete assessment of installation and commissioning procedures, ensuring strict adherence to BS5839.

• Conducting a gap analysis to identify non-compliance issues and necessary corrective actions.

• Developing and presenting verification certification for both the shell & core and fit-out fire systems.

Our swift, proactive approach prevented a potential project failure and demonstrated our leadership in the industry. By offering comprehensive services and ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements, we delivered the project successfully. This case study underscores On Point Associates’ position as a leading independent fire system consultancy, capable of overcoming complex challenges while ensuring excellence in project execution.