In the last 12 months our works have broadened to include the below services:
· Principal Contractor Management of fire contractors upgrading VESDA (smoke detection) systems to the secure blocks
· Fire matrix development
PROFILE SERIES | CorrectionsCorrectional Centre Smoke Exhaust Upgrade Program
The Correctional Centre Smoke Exhaust Upgrade Program was undertaken by VAE Group in the following Correctional Centres throughout Queensland:
Arthur Gorrie | Brisbane | Brisbane Women’s | Capricornia | Lotus Glen | Maryborough | Townsville Men’s | Townsville Women’s | Wolston | Southern Queensland
Corrections and VAE
VAE have been involved with the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems in nearly every correctional facility in Queensland. In gaining this experience, we have learned valuable lessons in the design, construction, and maintenance of correctional institutions.
This profile series will showcase our expertise and understanding of the operational risk involved in working in correctional facilities.
Systems need to be engineered and installed for absolute certainty of operation and any disruption to the facility must be kept to a minimum whenever maintenance is required.
VAE understand the importance of keeping inmates cool and calm with compliant mechanical and exhaust systems. Our safety and quality practices build certainty into our project methodologies. Early engagement with our clients to better understand the project creates opportunities for innovation, and our collaborative approach establishes win/win relationships.
#The Project
Building Asset Services (BAS) originally engaged VAE to perform smoke exhaust functional performance testing across multiple Queensland Correctional Centres to confirm compliance to minimum smoke exhaust levels. Following this testing VAE were awarded the design and construct smoke exhaust upgrades for those Centres that didn’t meet current compliance.
VAE designed the modifications required to ensure the smoke exhaust systems achieved a minimum of 350I/s per cell when operating in a smoke exhaust mode. The scope of works consisted of a mix of ductwork modifications to reduce static pressure losses, motorised dampers on the non-cell areas, such as the kitchen and laundry’s, variable speed drive installations on existing fans, and in some cases new fans. The fire services works have further enhanced our strong understanding of the important interfaces between fire services and mechanical services for life safety systems within the Corrections environment.
#Key Achievements
01
Strong understanding of the operational risk involved in working within a live correctional centre environment, provided Corrections with a flexible delivery approach that could adapt to change
02
Minimal disruption working in a live, high-security correctional environment
03
The fire services works have further enhanced our strong understanding of the important interfaces between fire services and mechanical services for life safety systems within the Corrections environment