Following Jewers success with new Civil Defence stations in Dubai over the past decade, Jewers Doors were recently commissioned to install a 10 leaf Osprey sliding folding door to the Fire Station which services the Drydocks World complex at Al Mina, Dubai.
Dubai Drydocks is the only large dry dock facility in the Arabian Gulf. Since it opened in 1983 it has seen the repair of over 6000 vessels and the building of more than 70 new vessels. Originally constructed as a blacksmith shop in 1980, the building was converted to a fire station in 2005, housing two fire tenders, however, there was not a door. Location directly on the quay, strong winds, salt sea spray and airborne debris from maintenance and repair work being carried out close to the fire station were causing damage to the fire tenders and other plant stored in the facility.
Jewers Doors were one of several suppliers invited by Drydocks World to tender for the 9.5m wide x 5m high door to secure the building against the elements. Although other suppliers proposed alternative vertically moving door systems, Drydocks World preferred the excellent weather resistance, rigidity, reliability, low maintenance and safety of the Osprey door.
The Osprey door is horizontally moving, operated by a variable speed drive unit which slides and folds all ten leaves behind the reveal, leaving the full 9.5metre width opening clear for vehicle access. In the closed position, the door is completely flat across the opening. Soft compound EPDM weather seals to all edges eliminate water, air and dust ingress, and a stainless steel bottom track incorporates drainage if water blows into the track when the door is open. The leading edge seal is fitted with a full height safety edge, and photocell beams create a safe area around the door.
The sideways movement of the door, which is fitted with a row of 10 No. 400mm wide by 1200mm high double glazed toughened glass vision panels, ensures the fire appliance driver has full visibility of the door position and the roadway outside, and is able to exit the bay safely at all times. With vertical lifting doors, it is difficult to judge when there is sufficient height clearance. One door panel incorporates a wicket door leaf, which allows personnel to access through the main door when it is closed.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the doors were shipped to Dubai ahead of schedule and installed by Jewers’ Dubai based engineers.
Jewers’ Regional Sales Manager; Ben Pritchard commented, “The COO and senior management of Drydocks World were so pleased with the finished project they are now considering a similar door for the other end of the building. In addition, heads of other departments are now considering installing Osprey doors on some other buildings within the Dubai Drydocks complex.”
For more information please visit: www.jewersdoors.co.uk
