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FireWire Issue 22 June 2010

FireWire 22: Protecting the historic
  Sydney Town Hall

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The historic Sydney Town Hall has now reopened its doors,following a total overhaul of its fire protection systems. It nowhas modern high-level fire protection that assists in preservingthe building's heritage and striking 19th century design.

As part of this two-year upgrade, Wormald worked closely with the City of Sydney toidentify how to maximise fire protection for staff, visitors and the building and to meetcompliance with current standards and legislation.

A key objective of the project was to retain the building's heritage by keeping thesystems unobtrusive. With this in mind, the new sprinkler heads and sprinkler systemextensions were installed in discreet locations and are mostly invisible.

To help protect the new curatorial store in the building's basement and the heritage'bird cage' lift, Wormald's Inergen® fire suppression system was installed. Usingan inert gaseous fire suppressant consisting entirely of natural gases, this systemsuppresses fire without causing harm to people and reducing damage to property. As itis composed entirely of natural gases from the atmosphere it also reduces the pollutingeffect. With no chemicals, and having no ozone depleting or global warming potential,it leaves behind no toxic or corrosive deposits. When the components are releasedthey simply resume their natural role in the atmosphere.

Another area of the Town Hall requiring tailored fire protection was the space aroundthe precious organ. For this, Wormald chose AquaMist,® which emits smaller dropletsizes than standard systems to increase heat absorption and reduce water damage.

Wormald also updated the existing smoke alarm system and Emergency Warning andIntercommunication System (EWIS), incorporating the latest technology to assist infacilitating a fast and orderly evacuation of the Town Hall should a fire occur.

 
"This is the first comprehensive overhaul of building services    since the 1930s and we now have up-to-date, sophisticated fire    protection which complies with the latest standards. We have brought    this building into the modern era while retaining its historic charm."
  Lord Mayor Clover Moore

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