Rochdale Boroughwide Housing - Passive Fire Prevention

The Challenge

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) embarked on a critical project to enhance fire safety across its portfolio, appointing Ventro to undertake the replacement of 410 flat entrance doors and comprehensive fire stopping across 19 blocks of general needs flats. A significant aspect of this challenge was navigating the inherent complexities of working in occupied general needs properties, anticipating the possibility of needing to accommodate residents in vulnerable situations. Ensuring the project was completed smoothly and safely, with minimal disturbance to residents, was paramount.

The Solution

Ventro developed a meticulous solution focused on safety and a resident-centric approach. They ensured the correct team members were allocated to the project and provided residents with a dedicated point of contact. Ventro minimized disruption through a multi-channel approach to delivering information, including toolbox talks and weekly check-ins with clients and residents. This involved flexible scheduling, replacing fire doors and completing fire stopping around the client and residents when it best suited them, even proposing weekend work to accommodate shifts. The team was briefed on safeguarding protocols for vulnerable residents, with discrete channels in place for respectful concern identification and resolution.

"The management team are great with residents, proposing weekend work to make things easier with resident work shifts." - Scott Lawson, CDM & Fire Risk Manager 

The Results

Ventro's partnership delivered exceptional outcomes for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, significantly enhancing fire safety and community well-being:

• High Project Delivery: Ventro successfully completed the replacement of 410 flat entrance doors and extensive fire stopping across 19 general needs flat blocks, achieving an impressive 98% delivery within the agreed program.
  
  
• Enhanced Fire Safety Compliance: The project significantly improved the safety infrastructure, with all installations meeting stringent standards. This was achieved through the utilization of doors supplied by BM TRADA Q-mark accredited and BWF recognized manufacturers, ensuring all fire-rated doors were FD30 and PAS24 approved.

• Increased Resident Satisfaction: Proactive communication strategies, flexible scheduling, and diligent safeguarding measures ensured the project caused minimal disturbance, leading to high resident satisfaction.

• Golden Thread: The Golden Thread was demonstrated through O&M manuals which include product certification, manufacturer accreditation and product warranties, plus the method statements which all show how the British Standards were met. 

• Strong Social Value Impact: Ventro's commitment to social value, including donations to the Local Pantry and providing hampers for resident raffles, significantly contributed to community well-being and fostered positive resident relations.