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Smoke Ventilation

Industry specialists with chartered engineers and bonafide subcontractors.

Smoke Vent Services

What is a Smoke Ventilation System?

The purpose of a smoke ventilation system is to control the movement of smoke and combustion gases in the event of a fire, and discard of them in a safe location. They are designed to protect the people inside buildings and ensure firefighting personnel can access the premises to control and put out the fire.

The most common case of fire-related fatalities (where the cause of death was known) was “overcome by gas or smoke”, given in 32 per cent* of fire-related fatalities, and so implementing a smoke ventilation system can dramatically improve the visibility and air quality of escape routes, and therefore increase the chance of survival.

Smoke AOVs are a critical life safety system, and are designed to open automatically when fire is detected. It is vital that any smoke control systems are installed and maintained by a competent person with expert knowledge to ensure they're operating at optimum performance should they be needed.

  1. Survey - Assess whether your existing or proposed Smoke Vent Control system is compliant.
  2. Design - Your required Smoke Vent Control System.
  3. Verify – Proposal against Building Regulations and British Standard.
  4. Regulator Registration – Apply and complete the BSR process for high-risk buildings (a legal requirement).
  5. Install – Your Smoke Vent Control System.
  6. Maintain - Your Smoke Vent Control System.

Types of Smoke Control Systems

Natural

These systems rely on the natural properties of smoke to carry it out of the building.

Mechanical

These systems rely on fan sets to remove smoke. They are also known as MSVS (Mechanical Smoke Ventilation System) or smoke extract systems.

 

Pressurisation

A type of Pressure Differential System, these are designed to maintain higher air pressure within the escape route.

Car Park

Mechanical, natural or hybrid, these provide smoke and environmental ventilation to clear smoke from enclosed or underground car parks.

Life safety

Smoke AOVs are a critical life safety system, and are designed to open automatically when fire is detected in a building. It is vital that any smoke control systems are installed and maintained by a competent person with expert knowledge to ensure they're operating at optimum performance should they be needed.

Survey

Our Smoke Ventilation Design Engineers will survey the existing system and make professional recommendations for improvement.

Design

On a new build or existing building our Smoke Ventilation Design Engineers can provide engineered solutions with drawings, specifications, and cause and effects to make the building safer and/or gain compliance if required.

Verify

Our in house Fire Engineers will check your design against Building Regulations and British Standard to ensure a workable solution and if required undertake CFD modelling for further verification.

Regulator

For a high risk buildingn (HRB) - buildings over 7 storeys or 18m - our Building Safety Regulator Specialist can complete your application required to start any construction work.

Install

Our specialist installation team can undertake Principal Contractor responsibility for all smoke ventilation builds if required.

Maintain

Our Building Maintenance team will maintain and service your smoke vent system on a contractual basis to reassure you in the system.

Working with Global

What sets us apart is our capability to guide clients through the complex landscape of building safety regulations, particularly those mandated for high-risk buildings following the 2021 regulatory changes.

Comprehensive Solution

  1. We provide a holistic approach to smoke vent control, covering every stage from initial design to ongoing maintenance. This ensures a seamless experience as there is no need to coordinate with multiple vendors or service providers.

  2. Expertise in Regulatory Compliance: Our team possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in navigating building safety regulations, especially those pertaining to high-risk buildings. We stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes, and ensure that our solutions are fully compliant with these requirements.

  3. Guidance Through Regulatory Processes: We understand that navigating regulatory processes can be daunting and so we offer personalised guidance and support to our clients, helping them understand the regulatory landscape and ensuring that their smoke vent control systems meet all necessary compliance standards.

  4. Peace of Mind: Our clients know that their smoke vent control systems not only meet regulatory requirements but are also designed and installed to the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our end-to-end solution streamlines the process, saving time, effort, and potential headaches associated with compliance and maintenance.

  5. Minimised Risk and Liability: Our comprehensive approach to smoke vent control, coupled with our expertise in regulatory compliance, helps minimise the risk and liability for our clients. We take proactive steps to ensure that their buildings are safe and compliant, reducing the likelihood of fines, penalties, or legal issues arising from non-compliance.