Clingcast Metals, Kirrawee, NSW

Sector

Industrial

Location

Kirrawee, NSW

The Clingcast Metals project at 98 Bath Road, Kirrawee, NSW 2232 involves the refurbishment and upgrade of an existing industrial facility comprising three buildings, including an industrial unit, showroom, office, storage, and amenities.

The site is subject to a Fire Safety Order due to non-compliance with the Building Code of Australia’s (BCA) Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions. The project aims to implement performance-based fire safety solutions to ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining operational functionality.

Key challenges:

Safety and compliance: The existing egress paths incorporate reduced widths in various locations, which do not meet BCA DtS provisions.
Architectural constraints: The removal of fire hose reels presents a deviation from standard fire suppression infrastructure.
Sustainability considerations: The introduction of a new fire hydrant booster system must align with environmental and efficiency standards.
Cost-efficiency: Implementing performance solutions must balance safety requirements with financial feasibility.
Technical complexity: Ensuring adequate fire protection in an industrial setting with molten metal and hazardous materials requires tailored fire safety measures.

Key solutions:

Optimised egress strategies: A performance base approach allows for reduced egress path widths – minimum 750mm – while maintaining safe evacuation standards.
Alternative fire suppression measures: Fire hose reels are replaced with strategically located ABE fire extinguishers to provide targeted fire-fighting capability.
Enhanced fire hydrant system to compensate for the removal of hose reels
Fire safety management plan: A comprehensive management-in-use plan ensures ongoing compliance and risk mitigation across the site.
Emergency lighting and exit signage: Upgraded emergency lighting and signage are installed to support effective occupant evacuation.

Key outcomes:

Regulatory compliance: The implemented solutions align with BCA performance requirements, ensuring full compliance.
Operational continuity: Fire safety measures were integrated with minimal disruption to business operations.
Enhanced safety measures: The tailored approach to fire safety supports effective emergency response and occupant protection.
Cost-effective implementation: Alternative solutions balanced safety improvements with financial viability.
Future-proofing: The fire safety management plan ensures ongoing compliance and adaptability to future needs.

The Clingcast Metals project exemplifies a successful integration of performance-based fire safety solutions within an operational industrial environment. By addressing key fire safety challenges while maintaining compliance, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, this project sets a benchmark for industrial refurbishments and upgrades. The applied fire engineering strategies demonstrate innovation and ensure a high standard of occupant safety and regulatory adherence.

Other projects

How to break the rules the right way in your next Atrium design

2 Richardson Place, North Ryde, NSW

Manildra Sunshine Sugar Warehouse/Refinery Extension, Auburn, NSW