Life Safety & AOV & Smoke Ventilation Services Covering Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, East Sussex, Surrey & London
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Smoke Ventilation
A brief overview of smoke clearance systems
Natural Smoke Systems
This type of system uses the natural air flow & pressures of wind to deliver fresh air to the building to help remove smoke from an area without the use of fans/assistants & works just like a Chimney by naturally drawing smoke out of the building.
Natural smoke and heat exhaust systems (NSHEV) will often prove more cost effective and appear less intrusive to the building’s design integrity.
This is why we recommend early consultation in a project to provide the widest choice of options to conform to Building Regulations and controls
Mechanical Smoke Systems
Mechanical ventilation systems are usually deployed in buildings and structures where a natural smoke ventilation solution such as windows/doors cannot be deployed or where they are impracticable due to the design of the building.
Smoke shafts are placed adjacent to common areas such as stairs, lobbies and interior corridors to vent smoke and heat.
This provides improved safety for the evacuation of building occupants and better smoke-free access for fire fighters.
Natural smoke and heat exhaust systems (NSHEV) will often prove more cost effective and appear less intrusive to the building’s design integrity.
This is why we recommend early consultation in a project to provide the widest choice of options to conform to Building Regulations and controls.
Natural Ventilation Systems
Preventative Fire Safety is one of the most important aspects to saving human life in modern day buildings.
It is a recognised fact that up to 90% of all fire victims are killed by the inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes and not by the actual fire itself. As a fire develops, the smoke will spread at an alarming rate throughout the building.
Smoke will damage the fabric of the building, hinder escape of the occupants, is highly toxic and will inevitably impede the efforts of a fire fighting crew in controlling the blaze.
This type of system uses the natural air flow & pressures of wind to deliver fresh air to the building to help remove smoke from an area without the use of fans/assistants & works just like a Chimney by drawing smoke out of the building.
Natural smoke and heat exhaust systems (NSHEV) will often prove more cost effective and appear less intrusive to the building’s design integrity.
This is why we recommend early consultation in a project to provide the widest choice of options to conform to Building Regulations and controls
What are the basic objectives of smoke control systems?
- To keep the escape routes free from smoke.
- To assist fire fighting operations by creating a smoke free layer.
- To reduce the thermal damage to the structural components during a fire.
- To reduce smoke and heat damage caused by the fire and associated hot gases.
How is this normally achieved?
- Providing an openable vent at the top of stairwell in smaller installations
- Powering a high level window
- Providing a “Smoke Shaft” along a central core protecting numerous floors (normally corridors) by means of opening either a powered fire door or Louver & venting out via the roof top exhaust
It often helps however to contact us at the design stage so we can offer you the very best solutions for your project before construction gets in the way.
We only supply “open protocol” equipment meaning that you own everything & will never be tied to just one make or manufacturer or service contract.
Further Information
Please follow the links below for further information regarding our partner manufacturers & regulations
APPROVED DOCUMENT B– For planning advice & requirements
Mechanical Smoke Ventilation & Clearance Systems (excluding fan based systems)
Mechanical ventilation systems are usually deployed in buildings and structures where a natural smoke ventilation solution such as windows/doors cannot be deployed or where they are impracticable due to the design of the building.
Where smoke shafts are fitted in place of traditional window openers, “mechanical” openers such as doors or Smoke Dampers are fitted to control the extraction of air in the way that a chimney would work in a home, by naturally drawing up the smoke from the area & dispersing at the top of the shaft, which can be controlled either mechanically via a smoke damper/vent or by the use of Penthouse Louvre (a fixed openable mechanical free louvered device which is always open allowing smoke to escape & is normally fitted on flat roofs). These are linked or controlled by the house fire system so thet the relevant damper will open upon activation of the local smoke detector.
Smoke shafts are placed adjacent to common areas such as stairs, lobbies and interior corridors to vent smoke and heat.
This provides improved safety for the evacuation of building occupants and better smoke-free access for fire fighters.
Natural smoke and heat exhaust systems (NSHEV) will often prove more cost effective and appear less intrusive to the building’s design integrity.
This is why we recommend early consultation in a project to provide the widest choice of options to conform to Building Regulations and controls.
Common Uses:
- High Rise blocks of flats
- Offices & commercial
- Retail & shopping
- Hotels
- Sheltered Housing
- Public Buildings
We often get involved in various projects & numerous stages of development as we are renowned for “thinking outside the box” & offering a different view when it comes to system design & choices available.
It often helps however to contact us at the design stage so we can offer you the very best solutions for your project before construction gets in the way. We only supply “open protocol” equipment meaning that you own everything & will never be tied to just one make or manufacturer or service contract
Further Information
Please follow the links below for further information regarding our partner manufacturers & regulations
APPROVED DOCUMENT B– For planning advice & requirements
HOCHIKI EUROPE – Our preferred Detector Supplier
For Architects we can:
Offer support & advice on regulatory matters.
Tailor make products and solutions which fit and compliment the aesthetic needs of the building.
Bespoke manufacturing solutions to match the most exacting of building requirements.
For Consulting Designers & Engineers we can:
Offer Technical support on system designs & Installations.
Offer a comprehensive range of products extensively tested to the relevant standards.
Offer support from initial design through to commissioning and handover.
For the Construction Team we can:
Offer a unique installation or Supply & Commission Only Service.
Supply Products which meet project specifications.
Provide Cost effective solutions.
Provide on Time Delivery and completion on project Installations & Commissioning.
AC Integrated Solutions Ltd
Independent Fire Alarm & Smoke Clearance
- 34b Mayfair Ind Estate, Chelmsford, Essex. CM3 6LF
- 02039 512 612
Open Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 8 am – 8 pm
- Sunday: Closed
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