The project included the upgrade of detection systems throughout eight buildings on the RBWH Campus. 10,000 fire detection and alarm devices were upgraded, including control and indicating equipment. We also assisted in the design of a site-wide fibre optic fire services network.

Some key features of the work we completed included:

• Initially, the accuracy of the existing information needed to be verified. This involved a comprehensive survey of 10,000 devices across all hospital buildings including a service condition assessment and compliance check of the existing system against today’s code requirements.
• With the upgrade taking place in a fully operational hospital, the survey of all existing devices required a coordinated effort, with communication between our DMA team, JCA and the hospital representatives critical to the project’s success.
• Without access to up-to-date as-built documentation and architectural arrangements, we used our team of Fire Protection Engineers to ensure the proposed Fire Detection Design was compliant and fit for purpose, with the proposed detailed design documentation reflecting the high standards JCA was required to deliver.
• Throughout the installation process, our fire protection design team endeavoured to support the JCA site team in every way possible. We often completed additional site inspections and modifications to the design to overcome hurdles that appeared during installation. The excellent working relationship between DMA and JCA resulted in measurable benefits to the Queensland Health team.

Where additional services modifications were required during the installation, the our team were also able to quickly draw on the expertise of the electrical, mechanical and hydraulics teams at DMA to resolve design queries and provide swift resolution to installation challenges.