Airmec has advised on and implemented a risk-based fire damper replacement programme for the Cardiff Utilita Arena a building complex nearing the end of its operational life but still very much a commercial going concern. It has a full programme of events and the operators, Live Nation cannot risk shutdowns due to faults in safety-critical infrastructure.
The arena’s replacement, a new indoor venue at Cardiff’s Atlantic Wharf, is now due to open in 2026/27 some three years later than originally planned. That means that the facilities team at the existing Utilita Arena have the challenge of maintaining a safe and healthy environment a lot longer than planned, and against a commercial background where there will be reduced appetite for capital investment.
Nevertheless, the law is the law and the HSE rightly makes no allowance for limited lifespans. The Live Nation team still have the same responsibilities, as well as their own personal commitment, to safety and compliance, but have risen to the challenge with a risk-based approach to fire damper replacement.
Working with long-term partner Airmec Essential Services, they are planning pragmatically for critical air, water and fire safety services for the final years of the Arena’s life. Within that remit, replacement of fire dampers which fail inspection and testing is potentially particularly expensive, not least because some are inaccessible and/or would require major works to replace. Airmec’s suggested risk-based approach is achieving on-budget results without compromise on safety.
Of course, if a damper fails or cannot even be reached for inspection and testing, then it’s the Live Nation team which has final responsibility. Marcus Donoghue, Facilities and Operations Manager, bases his decisions on whether to replace on risk factors such as:- Is the damper in a system feeding a stairwell/escape route?
- If inspectors cannot get to the damper closest to the higher risk area, what is the status of the next damper upstream in the system and is that functioning?
- Are there other fire safety measures that can be taken to reduce risks– i.e. detectors/alarm systems, escape plans?
The Arena team has past experience with risk-based approach and working with Airmec. Back in 2012, they were able to extend the service life of air handling units with a planned maintenance and remediation regime. The building was then already some 20 years old and equipment failure in some air handling units (AHUs) was exposing the business to unacceptable risks of having to cancel events if air exchange, temperature and humidity standards could not be maintained.
As well as bringing all the AHUs back into service and optimising their energy efficiency, Airmec also ensured that the venue benefitted from the latest best practice guidance offered by the then-new BSEN 15780: 2011 Ventilation for buildings – Ductwork – Cleanliness of ventilation systems.
The success of that project led to Airmec’s appointment to provide water hygiene and fire damper testing and remedials services at the Arena as well.
