WPS has provided fire safety and prevention services to a number of properties for Dacorum Borough Council over many years.
These include Betty Paterson House, a 30-flat, four-storey building in Hemel Hempstead; Lagley House in Berkhampstead, comprising 50 flats and bungalows; and Compass Point, which offers 28 flats in a two-storey property in Northchurch. Our work is largely focused on the community spaces in these properties, enhancing both the safety and general aesthetics in these important areas. Dacorum ranks WPS number one on its Fire Framework.
Project details
Individual project requirements vary according to the properties under improvement. However, there are a number of common upgrades we provide in order to elevate fire safety standards and ensure residents have secure and reliable evacuation routes in case of emergencies.
Entrance doors. Replacement of front entrance doors with fire-rated primary tested doorsets.
Compartmentation works. Where penetrations through compartment walls exist, we restore compartmentation by sealing openings and joints in fire-resistance-rated walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat. These openings often occur due to: Pipes and cables passing through walls or floors.
Engagement. As our work is delivered with residents continuing to occupy their homes, a key feature across all projects is communication and engagement. Surveys and wider feedback consistently show its critical importance. We appoint dedicated Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs), which not only allows us and our client to explain what is happening and why, but is also pivotal in understanding where residents have specific needs and concerns we need to address. This provides transparency and ensures residents feel valued and heard throughout the process. We prioritise phasing and scheduling of work to minimise disruption and maintain accessibility.
Redecoration. In addition to core safety enhancements, we also redecorate living spaces with a Class 0 paint to help reduce the spread of flame across walls and ceilings, as set out in Approved Document B, building regulations for fire safety in residential homes.
Floor linings. The replacement of floor linings with non-combustible materials, alongside redecoration not only support our wider fire safety objectives, but also have a significant impact on the aesthetic appeal of the residents’ living spaces.
“Ensuring tenants feel safe in their homes is our top priority, and we’re proud to support Dacorum Borough Council in delivering these vital fire safety upgrades. Through our long-standing partnership, we’ve not only improved the physical infrastructure of sheltered housing schemes, but also prioritised resident engagement every step of the way – these improvements make a real difference to both safety and quality of life.”
