Smoke Control and Ventilation Systems

Smoke control and ventilation systems vent smoke out of a building in the event of a fire and are used in residential, commercial, healthcare or educational premises.

Smoke Control and Ventilation Systems

Our Smoke Control and Ventilation Systems Services

  • Design and installation

  • Repair and/or upgrading of existing systems

  • Regular checks

  • Servicing and maintenance

Natural ventilation systems

Natural ventilation systems utilise windows, vents and automatic opening vents (AOVs) and are a primary system used in UK Building Regulations.

According to UK Government statistics, the most common identified cause of death from a fire incident is being overcome by gas or smoke.

Smoke Control and Ventilation Systems are an effective solution that vents smoke away from common areas, corridors, lobbies, stair cases and safety routes. In the event of a fire, smoke detectors will activate the natural smoke venting system on each specific floor at a time. This improves the conditions for a safe escape and enables the fire to be accessed more easily in its early stages.

Left image –  An AOV smoke ventilation control panel linked to automatic detection in the communal areas.

Key benefits of Smoke Control and Ventilation Systems:

• Reduce the risk of smoke inhalation for escape and access routes
• Improve access to fire service
• Reduce the risk of the fire developing

Right image –  A roof dome window upgraded with motorised actuators.

How it works:

In the event of a fire, smoke detectors activate the smoke ventilation system including automatic opening vents (AOVs), dome actuators, shafts and windows.

  • A natural flow of air enters the building
  • Hot air and smoke are forced out of the building
  • A safe means of escape is created

Left image –  Motorised chain actuators at the top of a stairwell. Natural ventillation.

Design and Commissioning

Our expert systems engineers can design and commission an effective Smoke Control and Ventilation System for your premises in accordance with UK Building Regulations which governs the design, installation and performance of Smoke Ventilation systems.

For more specialised mechanical extraction and pressurisation systems we work with systems manufacturers and accredited service and maintenance providers to ensure the systems are fully compliant to standards and manufacturers guidance and recommendations.

Right image –  Velux windows with motorised actuators

Case Studies

Replacement AOV Installations.

Replacement AOV installationsCustomer requirement When carrying out an initial inspection, servicing and maintenance visit covering all fire safety systems and measures for 24 apartment blocks in London, the client made use aware of an issue with one block’s natural smoke shaft. Apparently, the original dome fitted to the shaft blew off in a storm! A [...]

Automatic Opening Vents for Princes Court London.

Automatic Opening Vents for Princes Court LondonThe Challenge Our longstanding customer Sandrove Brahams and Associates Ltd manage a prestigious ten storey apartment block in Knightsbridge, London. Originally built as a hospital it was then converted into flats and commercial shops. On reviewing the premises Fire Risk Assessment and Fire Safety Officer Inspections, it was identified [...]

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