ExCel London Phase 3 Expansion

Rely on Fire Check were appointed to provide specialist on-site mentorship and technical support for the ExCeL London Phase 3 expansion project, supporting SES Engineering Services and McLaren Construction through the design, installation and commissioning phases of the works.

The appointment involved regular weekly site attendances to provide technical guidance, assist with defect management, and support overall project coordination in what is a complex, high-occupancy environment. This ongoing presence enabled early identification and resolution of installation and coordination issues, reducing risk to programme and supporting the efficient delivery of the life safety systems.

A key element of Rely on Fire Check’s role was providing significant technical support in the integration of cause and effect requirements between the new Phase 3 systems and the existing fire and life safety systems serving other areas of the ExCeL Arena. This included reviewing and advising on cause and effect strategies, supporting system interfacing, and assisting with coordination to ensure that the expanded systems operated seamlessly with the live, operational environment, without compromising existing life safety provisions.

Rely on Fire Check also undertook extensive technical checking of the aspirating smoke detection systems installed throughout the development. This included reviewing system design strategies, pipe network calculations, detector coverage and alarm thresholds to ensure full compliance with the FIA Code of Practice for Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems. Rely on Fire Check further verified installation standardsand commissioning activities, ensuring that all performance criteria were achieved and that the full suite of required technical documentation was produced to demonstrate compliance and system integrity.

The collaborative nature of the appointment was fundamental to the project’s success. Rely on Fire Check worked closely with McLaren Construction, SES Engineering Services and their appointed sub-subcontractors, pooling technical expertise and providing consistent, informed support across all stages of delivery. This unified approach ensured that the designated systems were implemented in line with design intent, employers’ requirements and project expectations, while maintaining a high standard of quality throughout the installation and commissioning process.