SPECIALTY PROJECTS

Thermofisher Scientific – Fire Suppression Upgrades

The Thermofisher Scientific building in Robinson Township, just west of downtown Pittsburgh, serves as a combination data center and administrative office for support of ThermoFisher’s domestic and international operations. A large portion of this facility is dedicated to a computer room which houses multiple servers to support Thermofisher’s accounting and administrative operations.

Users recognized a need to minimize possible operational troubles. The existing fire suppression system main pipe was routed directly through the main data center room. In addition, the natural gas main which served the heating equipment throughout the building was routed through a ceiling plenum located in the building interior above the main corridor and office areas.

Burchick’s scope included the removal, replacement, and rerouting of both piping systems. Since many sections of this piping were above existing ceilings, work in these areas had to be performed during off shift hours or when the vacancy of the building was minimized. This work included protection within the offices, ceiling removals, piping/hanger removals, and ceiling reinstallation and replacement.

In addition, a new gas line was installed on the exterior face of the building which extended onto the rooftop to service the rooftop equipment. In the data center area, the existing fire suppression pipe was abandoned in place to minimize the risk of any possible damage to the servers. The new fire suppression line was rerouted outside of the data center to service the network of sprinkler heads. A new preaction fire suppression system was also installed as part of Burchick’s scope.

Burchick began this project in August of 2022. Each quarter, Thermofisher has “freeze” periods in which no outside vendor work is permitted within the facility. Burchick carefully planned any construction activities to be sensitive to these freeze periods and maximized work opportunities when and where possible. This allowed the project to be completed within an 8-month time frame. The pre-action system was preordered so this equipment would be available when needed.

One of the important requirements of this project was that Burchick needed to submit a “MOP” (Method of Procedure) for any critical work activities. These MOPs included extensive detail from Burchick which outlined the specific scope of work, the precautions necessary, the possible risks, and the measures taken to ensure no incidents would occur. Burchick successfully completed all work and MOPS without incident.

Burchick completed this project in March 2023, which included commendations from both Thermofisher and JLL, the Building Manager.