TEMPLATE

Project Details

The TATA Steel facility at Port Talbot is a large scale industrial site supporting heavy manufacturing and continuous process operations. The nature of steel production, combined with high heat processes, combustible materials, and critical plant equipment, presents a complex fire risk profile requiring robust and highly reliable fire protection systems.

The project required fire suppression solutions capable of protecting both building structures and process related assets, while minimising disruption to ongoing operations. System reliability, rapid fire control, and asset protection were key drivers throughout the project.

Our involvement focused on the design coordination and technical assurance of automatic sprinkler systems and fixed firefighting systems, developed in accordance with NFPA 13 and NFPA 15. The systems were designed to address varying hazard levels across production areas, plant rooms, and supporting facilities, ensuring effective fire control under demanding industrial conditions.

Close coordination was required to integrate fire protection systems within live operational environments, where access constraints, elevated temperatures, and complex plant layouts presented significant challenges. Particular attention was given to system zoning, protection of critical equipment, and resilience of water supplies.

Pre Construction Phase Design

During the pre construction phase, our team developed initial fire suppression system designs tailored to the operational and environmental conditions of the Port Talbot facility.

This included detailed fire risk assessment, confirmation of hazard classifications, selection of appropriate system types, and development of protection strategies for high risk process areas. Design coordination focused on ensuring systems could be installed, tested, and maintained safely within an active industrial site.

The pre construction design stage established a robust technical framework that balanced compliance with NFPA standards and the practical requirements of a heavy industrial operation.

Pre Construction Phase Documentation and Planning

In parallel with design development, a comprehensive suite of pre construction documentation was prepared to support quality assurance, safety management, and controlled delivery.

Technical submissions were produced to define system intent, performance criteria, and compliance with NFPA 13 and NFPA 15, as well as site specific requirements.

Inspection and Test Plans were developed to define verification procedures, inspection stages, and acceptance criteria appropriate for industrial fire protection systems.

Initial Risk Assessment Method Statements were prepared to address the challenges of working within a live manufacturing environment, including interface with operational plant, high temperature areas, and restricted access zones.

An outline programme was also developed to coordinate installation activities with production schedules and minimise disruption to critical operations.

Through structured design development, detailed documentation, and continued technical support, the fire protection systems were delivered as robust and compliant solutions, safeguarding personnel, protecting critical assets, and supporting the continuity of industrial operations at one of the UK’s most significant steel manufacturing facilities.