Prisons represent a unique challenge in the Fire Engineering world - how do you make it easy to get out of a facility that's primary function is to keep people locked in? And how do you maintain safety and security for staff, inmates and emergency services should something go wrong?

Prisons also have an added layer of complexity because they’re so multi-use. A single building can be residential, office space, kitchen, storage and entertainment all in one.

What we did differently

PBC was tasked with developing a new fire safety strategy for the Cessnock Correctional  Complex, liaising with the many stakeholders and design team to create an environment that was safe for inmates, staff and emergency services, no matter the fire emergency.

The team approached the project with an understanding that each building, and each usage area of the buildings needed to be thought about individually, whilst also applying a holistic view.

Extended travel distances, smoke management systems, electrical and fire fighting equipment containment and other fire brigade intervention strategies led to major cost savings for the client and enhanced safety outcomes for all people within the prison.