Complete fire safety installation for distribution center grid operator

'Planning work at daily level for shorter construction time'

The Fire Protection & Security business unit, part of SPIE Netherlands, equipped the new distribution center of network operator Stedin in Vianen with a sprinkler, fire alarm and evacuation system. The very complete installation includes hand detectors, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire reels, fire department connections and a gas extinguishing system.

SPIE was approached by HVBM Vastgoed for this project. SPIE has had a great partnership with HVBM's construction branch, Heerkens van Bavel Bouw, for years. Commercial manager Marc Vunderink of SPIE: "At that time, there was already a starting point document and, in collaboration with the installation consultant, we were able to provide additional advice on the best fire safety solution. This resulted in a certification-worthy customized proposal."

Seven thousand sprinklers

The project was then handed over to sprinkler systems project manager Magda Lowicka and assembly began immediately after the construction period. Lowicka: "We initially installed about five thousand sprinklers in the building. We started in the 43,000 m2 halls and then went to work in the offices. In addition came an order for two thousand additional sprinklers to protect storage racks. In addition, we provided two server rooms with a gas extinguishing system." These rooms include fire detectors. If several detectors detect a fire, the gas extinguishing system is activated. This extinguishes any fire, without water damage, and no residue remains in the room. Throughout the building, SPIE also installed fire hose reels and fire department connections. Outside the building came three more hydrants, from which firefighters can draw water. Next to the sprinkler pump room, an above-ground fire water tank was built with a capacity of 730,000 liters to provide the sprinkler system with sufficient fire water. 

'We were able to reduce construction time significantly'

Installing such a large sprinkler system in such a large building is a big job, which also involved working under time pressure. Lowicka: "Before the work started, a lean planning session was organized. Here each party was able to schedule its work at the daily level. This significantly reduced the overall construction time. It was a challenging schedule, but because of the clear principles and good communication from the entire construction team, we met it."  

Fire alarm and evacuation system

SPIE's fire detection department then installed the fire alarm and evacuation system, Vunderink says. "The halls are equipped with hand detectors, the well-known red boxes near escape doors. In addition, the building is full of slow whoops: as soon as the fire alarm is pressed or smoke detectors go off, the fire alarm goes off. FAFS officers immediately receive a notification on their phones so they can help evacuate the building."

A special feature of this project is that the piping, which is usually menier red, was powder coated white by SPIE during the prefabrication phase. This gives a nice aesthetic effect. Vunderink: "The project was modeled entirely in BIM 3D. This requires precise work, but it allows for smooth cooperation and shorter lead times. For us, the final step now follows: certifying the installation. We also took care of this entire process together with an accredited inspection agency. The final inspection and delivery will follow at the end of March."