What are smoke ventilation systems?
Smoke ventilation systems are life-saving systems that allow occupants to escape safely in the event of a fire. There is strict regulation and design advice that specifies and controls the installation, performance, and maintenance of smoke ventilation systems which must be followed.
How we can help
M&G Fire Protection provides, installs, and maintains a range of smoke ventilation systems.
We design and install all types of smoke control systems. From single-zone AOVs to sophisticated multi zone systems with natural ventilations functionality – we’ve got you covered.
We pride ourselves on our first-rate customer service, which can often be ignored by larger companies. When you use our services, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality support and after-sales service from our specialised engineers. If you have a project you would like us to assist you with or you require a quote…
Ongoing support
When it comes to final commissioning, demonstration, and handover of completed installations, we ensure that the building management staff fully understands their new system, eliminating future operational issues. However, if you need our help, we are only a phone call away! Following the installation of your new system, we can provide a maintenance service to ensure that your system continues to run successfully and ensuring that your building remains compliant.
Smoke ventilation systems save lives when properly maintained. We maintain, fix, and repair all AOV systems across Essex with the help of our expert engineers.
What is a smoke control system?
An effective smoke ventilation system will enable the building occupants to escape safely.
When smoke is first detected within the common area, the fire floor lobby, head of smoke shaft and local stairwell will open simultaneously, and all other windows will close. This is to ensure the escape route is kept free from smoke and all other areas are protected from smoke ingress.
There are many ways to achieve a complaint smoke ventilation system that can be tailored to suit the building design and layout. It is often best to work with us at the building design stage so we can advise you of the most cost effective options available.
To give you an example of what types of smoke ventilators are available here are some examples:
Roof ventilator:
BS EN12101-2
Flat roof vent
Roof ventilator:
BS EN12101-2
Pitched roof skylight
Vertical wall ventilators:
BS EN12101-2
Window
Vertical wall ventilators:
BS EN12101-2
Glazed louvre
Smoke Shaft:
BS EN12101-8
Dampers
Smoke Shaft:
BS EN12101-2
Smoke shaft doors
How do smoke control systems save lives and protect property?
This is achieved by:
- keeping escape and access routes free from smoke
- making firefighting operations easier
- lowering the risk of the fire spreading further
- safeguarding the building’s contents
- reducing the chance of construction damage.
Whether the building is used for residential, business, healthcare, or educational purposes, a smoke ventilation system should be included as part of the overall fire strategy.
What happens in the event of a fire?
…with a smoke ventilation system?
- Actuators open high-level smoke vents and low-level fresh air intake valves in the case of a fire.
- This allows cold air to enter the structure while driving hot air and smoke out via the roof, creating a smoke-free layer for safe evacuation.
- The smoke-free layer provides safe access for fighting and extinguishing the fire.
… if there is no means of smoke ventilation?
- Smoke rises directly to the ceiling in an unventilated space.
- The smoke will begin to occupy the available area by migrating laterally rather than vertically.
- Convection will drag the smoke back down to a low level, lowering visibility & the prospects of a safe escape.
- Temperatures will continue to climb, posing the risk of a flashover and structure collapse.
We will coordinate with clients to establish a ventilation plan that includes design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance to ensure a building’s successful performance and compliance.
