An Introduction to

Smoke Management
2 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

This guide is designed to provide

architects, contractors, building
owners and facilities managers
with an overview of smoke
control systems, including the
different types of systems,
where they can be applied, how
they work and why they are
critically important. It will also
give information surrounding
smoke control regulations,
maintenance requirements and
considerations when refurbishing
or retrofitting a building.
 An Introduction to 3
Smoke Control

What is Smoke Control? 04

Considerations when specifying 07

a smoke control system

Types of smoke control systems 12

Natural smoke and heat exhaust

Mechanical smoke and heat exhaust
Smoke pressure systems

Interaction with other fire 38

management systems
Compartmentation
HVAC
Sprinklers

Regulations and compliance 42

Application
Products
Maintenance

Refurbishment and retrofit 46

Service and maintenance 49

How can Kingspan Light + Air 50

support your project?
What is
smoke control?
 An Introduction to 5
Smoke Control

Smoke control In a fire situation, you have one chance to get

systems: things right. Building owners and operators
have a duty and responsibility to ensure the
• Extract smoke ongoing safety of the people who use their
• Clear escape and buildings, including implementing effective fire
rescue routes safety provisions designed to meet the specific
• Aid firefighters in building requirements.
locating the fire
• Minimise casualties Statistics from all around the world
• Limit building and demonstrate that the greatest threat to life
contents damage in a fire-related incident is not the fire itself,
but the smoke generated by the burning
building contents. This includes both the soot
and aerosol particles visible in the air, and
the invisible noxious gases such as carbon
monoxide. In addition to posing a significant
health risk, smoke can also obscure sight lines
and irritate the eyes, impeding escape.
6 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Forming a key and often mandatory part of

the fire management plan, smoke control
systems create smoke-free zones that enable
occupiers to escape and firefighting teams to
enter the property quickly and safely. With
systems suitable for all types of buildings, these
can be passively or mechanically assisted and
are typically used to protect escape and rescue
routes and common circulation areas.

Whilst occupant safety is the primary purpose

of these systems, they also help to limit smoke
and heat damage to the property and its
contents. The combination of both life and
asset protection can, in some cases, even help
to lower insurance premiums and provide peace
of mind that, should the worst happen, the
building, and everything within it, is protected.
Considerations
when specifying
a smoke control
system
8 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Specifying a smoke control system is a complex

task which requires an in-depth understanding
of the systems available, the building it is
to be installed on and the relevant building
regulations and standards. It is important that
it is considered as early on in the design process
as possible by a qualified and experienced
fire-engineering specialist to ensure that the
solution selected is not only implemented
correctly, but that it works as part of the
holistic fire management plan.

When creating an optimised and reliable smoke

control solution, there are five key aspects
to consider:

1. Building specifics

Type

From high-rise offices to low-rise industrial facilities,

to underground car parks, every building type will
carry its own specific set of requirements and,
in some regions, may even be subject to specific
smoke control legislation.

Geometry

The height, surface and volume of the internal

spaces to be protected must be clearly defined
to ensure that the spread of smoke is accurately
calculated and that the specified smoke control
solution will perform as required. For example,
in deep buildings with a high internal volume,
such as a large warehouse with several floors
 An Introduction to 9
Smoke Control

or mezzanines, it may be necessary to use a

combination of natural and mechanical smoke
control systems in different parts of the building to
ensure that smoke is evacuated from the centre of
the space. Or, in the case of a Smoke Pressurisation
System on a high-rise building, additional sensors
or fans may be required to navigate any areas with
complex geometry.

Configuration

In addition to the volume, assessing the layout of

the space is also key for working out both the flow
of smoke and occupant evacuation routes. This
includes establishing how the space will be divided,
where the escape and rescue routes are located,
their maximum permissible length, how they will be
accessed, and where the smoke control system can
be installed.

Airflow

Once the type, geometry and configuration of

a building has been determined, computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) software can be used to
understand how air moves through a space
and therefore how smoke may behave in a fire
situation. This may also include looking at how
the external building envelope will be constructed,
especially for smoke pressurisation systems which
rely on high levels of airtightness, and the potential
effects of external wind conditions.

Location

The local climate and temperature can also have a

significant influence over the specification smoke
control systems. For example, the performance
of natural ventilation can be adversely affected
in places with high winds, therefore a mechanical
solution may be more appropriate.
10 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

2. Risks during use

In addition to considering how it has been built,
it is vital a thorough in-use risk assessment
of the building is conducted to ensure the fire
management solutions are fit for purpose. This
should take into account:

Use

Whilst a building may be constructed to fulfil a

generic brief, its exact use can have a significant
impact on the fire risk and the potential fire and
smoke load. For instance, an industrial building
that manufactures, uses or stores flammable
goods may require a much more stringent fire
management solution to a typical plant. There
may also be cases where the use impacts the
configuration of, and airflow within, the internal
space, such as logistics facilities with floor-to-
ceiling storage racks.

Occupancy

It is not only important to consider how the

building will be used, but who it will be used by.
Buildings that have high occupancy, such as
airports or shopping centres, or occupants who
are less able to escape, such as in hospitals and
prisons, may require more stringent smoke control
measures. Additionally, buildings that have a “stay
put” policy or phased evacuation procedures will
require a different approach to a building that uses
simultaneous evacuation.
 An Introduction to 11
Smoke Control

3. Regulations and standards

The specified system must be designed, tested,
certified, and maintained in accordance with
any local legislation and guidance set by the
government and/or fire service. This includes
standards that govern their use, as well as any
component-specific certifications.

4. Financial constraints

Whilst fire safety is a fundamental

consideration and should command an
appropriate part of the project budget, it is
important to get the balance right. Whilst
under-specifying can lead to a smoke control
system that is not fit for purpose, over-
specification can result in unnecessary cost.

5. Testing, Commissioning and Maintenance

Once the system has been installed and the
building work completed, all smoke control
systems need to be accurately tested and
commissioned by specialist technicians.
They will also require regular maintenance
throughout their lifespan, therefore it is
important that the building owner or operator
is provided with clear and detailed information
about their ongoing responsibilities, and a
service and maintenance plan should be
immediately put in place.
Types of smoke
control systems
 An Introduction to 13
Smoke Control

There are two main categories of smoke

control systems: natural and mechanical. As
a general rule, the taller a building, the more
the specification will move from natural to
mechanical and pressurisation. However,
there are no steadfast rules that define the
limits of one system over another, and the
physics of every project must be assessed
individually to ascertain the most appropriate
and effective solution.

Natural smoke and heat

exhaust (SHEV)

Natural smoke control systems use the basic

principles of thermal buoyancy to allow smoke
and heat to rise out of the building through
high level openings, whilst fresher and cooler air
is drawn in at lower levels to create a smoke-
free air layer, allowing occupants to escape and
reducing the thermal stress on the structure.
These can be employed as opening units within
the roof or facade, typically alongside smoke
curtains which limit the smoke spread, or as
part of a natural smoke shaft solution.
14 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

A fire breaks out in an area of the building.

Once triggered, either by the fire and smoke

detectors or manually at a call point, motorised
actuators in the roof or wall ventilators open,
allowing the smoke and heat to rise naturally
out of the space below.

At the same time, smoke curtains are triggered

to lower, compartmentalising the smoke and
preventing it from spreading throughout the
building.

Low-level side ventilation inlets are also

activated to replace the smoke with fresh
external air.

After the fire has been extinguished, the

ventilators can be left open to help clear any
remaining smoke.
 An Introduction to 15
Smoke Control

What are the key components?

These systems typically comprise:

a
1. An automatically opening ventilator
(AOV), located on the roof, within the
facade or, where an external wall or roof is
not available, within a smoke shaft.

1. Smoke curtains installed in a way that

b
drives the smoke towards the ventilator.
16 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

c A control system. Depending on

the system configuration or project
preference, these can be pneumatically,
electrically or manually operated. It should
include a secondary power supply, fire
service override function and allow for
easy system monitoring.
 An Introduction to 17
Smoke Control

What benefits do these systems offer?

Design flexibility

There are several types of smoke and heat

exhaust ventilators available that are suitable
for a range of applications and building
types, from modern offices and hospitals to
industrial warehouses. These include simple
mono- or double-flap rooftop ventilators,
opening skylights and louvred vents to
facade options such as motorised vertical
glass louvres and ventilators.
18 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Multifunction and sustainable benefits

Almost all natural smoke and heat exhaust

ventilators can also be used to provide daily
building ventilation, helping to maintain
comfortable internal temperatures for
occupants and limit the need for mechanical
air-cooling systems, improving a building’s
energy efficiency. These should include
integrated wind and rain controls to prevent
water ingress or damage. Some systems can
also offer the additional benefit of natural
daylighting, further improving the comfort
and health of occupiers and reducing
artificial light demand and costs.

Cost efficiency

Natural smoke control systems are typically

more cost-effective to specify, install and
maintain due to their limited number of
components.
 An Introduction to 19
Smoke Control

What are their limitations?

Natural smoke control systems may not be

suitable for:

- Buildings in locations subject to high winds,

or where wind has a negative influence on
the smoke ventilator.

- Buildings which require increased efficiency

or where smoke must be extracted over
a larger distance, such as across multiple
floors in high rise buildings.

- Smoke shaft applications where space is

limited, as natural smoke shafts are often
much larger than mechanical.

- Buildings with limited options for outlet and

inlet ventilators, such as buildings with one
external facade.

- In situations where the smoke temperature

will cool too quickly to rise out of the
building, such as in high internal spaces or
where sprinklers are installed.

Where are they commonly applied?

Low-rise buildings

Whilst they can be used in shaft applications,

rooftop natural smoke control systems
are more suited to single storey buildings
and open plan areas. In addition to
allowing smoke to rise up unimpeded, this
allows designers to make the most of the
potential for incorporating natural light and
20 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

ventilation functionality. This makes them

ideal for buildings where occupant health
and wellbeing are a key focus, for example
schools, sports buildings, retail units, and
workplaces such as offices and industrial
plants.

Atriums and Galleries

Atriums and galleries are often a common

yet impressive architectural feature in many
different building types, from hotels and
offices to schools and hospitals. However,
vertically spanning several storeys, these
also present a particular fire spread risk.
Natural smoke ventilation units designed
into the facade and roof allow for smoke and
heat to be effectively exhausted from the
area, without having to compromise on the
architectural finish or the feeling of space
and light these spaces inspire.
 An Introduction to 21
Smoke Control

Staircases and elevator shafts

Natural smoke ventilators are often installed

at the head of staircases and lift shafts,
even on buildings protected with mechanical
smoke shafts, to ensure the amount of
smoke in that area is limited. They can also
offer an additional escape and rescue route,
which is particularly important for elevators
in the case of a power cut.
22 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical smoke control systems use

powered fans and smoke exhaust shafts
to force smoke and heat up and out of the
building, replacing it with fresher and cooler
air from outside. This allows for efficient
smoke control over multiple storeys and
greater distances.

A fire breaks out in an area of the building.

When the smoke is detected, the fire damper

within the smoke shaft on the level where the
fire is located opens and the extraction fan at
the top of the shaft is activated. This draws the
smoke out of the room, up the shaft and out of
the building.
 An Introduction to 23
Smoke Control

The other dampers located on the other floors

are closed/remain closed to prevent the smoke
from traveling to unaffected areas.

A vent located at the head of a staircase

or another shaft is opened to draw in fresh
replacement air.

What are the key components?

These systems typically comprise:

a1. Powered extraction ventilators/fans

usually located on the roof.

b
1. A smoke extraction shaft which covers the
common areas of the building, such as the
corridors and lobbies.
24 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

c
1. Smoke dampers within the shaft to
control the flow of smoke from the lobbies
or corridors

1. An inlet for fresh air, typically supplied by

d
another shaft system or from a natural
ventilator in the stairwell
 An Introduction to 25
Smoke Control

1.
e Electrical control point. This should include
a secondary power supply, fire service
override function and allow for easy
system monitoring.

What benefits do these systems offer?

High efficiency

The high-powered fans allow for greater

volumes of smoke to be extracted much
quicker than natural smoke exhaust. This
measurable performance makes them ideal
for applications where a certain level of
efficiency must be achieved and can also
help to reduce the size of the smoke shaft,
reducing the impact on internal space.
26 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Weather protection

Mechanical smoke control systems are

unaffected by external weather or wind
conditions, making them suitable for any
climate.

Daily ventilation

Depending on their design, mechanical smoke

control systems can also be used for daily
ventilation purposes, helping to maintain
comfortable internal temperatures or exhaust
toxic fumes in applications such as car parks.
 An Introduction to 27
Smoke Control

What are their limitations?

Mechanical smoke control systems may not

be suitable for:

- High-rise buildings (over approximately 20

floors, depending on application)

- Projects with a limited budget as they

are more expensive to specify, install and
maintain than natural systems

- Buildings with limited accessible roof space

- Building projects subject to specific planning

laws regarding the appearance of their roof
space

Where are they commonly applied?

Buildings where natural smoke control is

not viable

The higher efficiency and greater control

offered by mechanical smoke control
methods can overcome the limitations of
natural systems, such as wind interference or
speed of evacuation. This often makes them
the system of choice for buildings with more
stringent smoke control requirements. They
may also be the only suitable solution where
smoke travel distances are in excess of the
building regulations or standards.
28 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Mid-rise buildings

As mechanical smoke shaft systems allow

for the evacuation of smoke over multiple
storeys, they are often used in mid-rise
buildings such as offices, hotels, residential
apartment blocks and similar, to protect
stairways, lobbies, corridors and floors.
 An Introduction to 29
Smoke Control

Car parks

Car parks present a number of challenges

when it comes to applying a smoke control
system. Firstly, it must be designed to fulfil
two key functions: in addition to clearing or
controlling smoke in a fire incident, it must
also allow for daily ventilation to prevent
the build up of exhaust fumes from vehicles.
Secondly, car parks are often enclosed or
underground, and have multiple storeys,
meaning that smoke must be evacuated
over larger distances with limited external air
coming in. This makes mechanical exhaust
methods the ideal option for
these structures.
30 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Smoke pressure systems

Smoke pressure systems (SPS) are a
specialised way of using mechanical smoke
ventilation for more complex buildings, such
as high-rise. These systems create controlled
overpressure within the escape and rescue
routes. As air will naturally always try to
move from an area of higher pressure to an
area of lower pressure, this stops smoke from
travelling into the protected area, ensuring it
remains clear and safe for those evacuating.
Generally, these are based on the principle of
active control to prevent their effectiveness
being impacted by issues such as airflow,
changes in the climate or open doors.
 An Introduction to 31
Smoke Control

A fire breaks out in an area of the building and

occupiers of the smoke-filled rooms escape to
the staircase.

The SPS is activated either automatically by the

fire and smoke detectors or manually from a
call point. A signal is sent to the control centre
to commence the flushing stage within a
maximum of 60 seconds.

The SPS flushes out any smoke from the

protected route using low level fans and
automatically opening ventilators located at
the head of the staircase.

During this period, the system’s own acoustic

and visual alarms are triggered, doors are
closed and any ventilation systems that will
impact the effectiveness of the system are
deactivated

When the air has been replaced, the system

activates the pressure control, increasing
the internal air pressure to ensure the smoke
cannot flow into the space, even if the door to
the fire is opened. This is constantly compared
to the external air pressure and adjusted if
necessary.

During the pressurisation stage, the pressure

is controlled to a level where emergency doors
can still be opened and closed easily by hand.
If they are opened, the system ensures that
the flow of incoming fresh air is fast enough
to keep the fumes out and reinstates the
overpressure in just a few seconds.

Once the fire is extinguished, the system

returns to monitoring status.
32 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

What are the key components?

These are sophisticated systems and their

configurations will depend on the building
they are installed on. However, they typically
comprise:

a Alarm and detection systems, including

1.
visual and sound alarms and various
sensors.

b A manual SPS call point.

1.
 An Introduction to 33
Smoke Control

c1. A powered air supply system, typically

installed at ground level, to allow fresh
air to enter the space and maintain the
pressure differential.

d1. Pressure monitoring equipment to ensure

the pressure is kept at the required level
whilst in operation.
34 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

e1. A pressure relief system to avoid too much

pressure building up when the doors are
closed. This is usually a pressure relief
damper in the ventilation system or a
variable speed drive on the air supply fan.

1. An opening rooflight or ventilator located

at the top of the staircase to evacuate the
smoke and heat which includes a wind/
rain sensor.
 An Introduction to 35
Smoke Control

1. An electrical control system located in a

safe place such as the pressurised zone or
a separate, fire resistant compartment.
This should include a secondary power
supply, fire service control and monitoring
panel, and an override function.
36 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

What benefits do these systems offer?

Specialised application

SPS are a highly effective way of ensuring

smoke-free escape routes for high rise and
high risk buildings, overcoming many of the
limitations of typical natural and mechanical
smoke exhaust solutions.

What are their limitations?

Complex and costly

SPS are highly technical systems which need

careful design, specification and ongoing
maintenance. This makes them expensive
and they are only suited to buildings with
complex requirements, such as high-rise
buildings with one escape route.
 An Introduction to 37
Smoke Control

Where are they commonly applied?

High-rise buildings

SPS have been specifically designed for

skyscrapers, for example office or apartment
blocks, or buildings with complex geometry.
Depending on the building type and use, they
can be used to protect escape and rescue
routes such as staircases, elevator shafts,
corridors or lobbies, and fire service access
routes and lifts.
Interaction with
other fire
management
systems
 An Introduction to 39
Smoke Control

Smoke control systems are not standalone

solutions. They form a part of the wider fire
management plan and their interactions
with the other elements must be carefully
planned and tested to ensure that the whole
solution will perform as expected in a fire
emergency, protecting lives and assets. For
example, their activation by the fire and
smoke detectors should also correspond with
the systems that manage evacuation, such
as the disabling of elevators, to ensure that
people are directed towards safe, smoke-free
escape routes.

Some examples of key elements that directly

interact with the smoke system are:

Compartmentation

In buildings with extensive ceiling space, or

where it is required by law, smoke curtains may
be used as part of the smoke control system
to compartmentalise the smoke. This limits
damage and prevents the smoke from cooling
too quickly and dropping below head-height,
obscuring evacuation and rescue routes. These
are typically employed as part of a natural
smoke control system and are lowered from the
ceiling when activated by the smoke and fire
alarm system. It is important to note that these
are different to fire curtains, whose primary
purpose is to prevent the spread of flames.
40 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

HVAC

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

ductwork can provide a channel through
which smoke and heat can spread
throughout a building. In addition to being a
fundamental element within a mechanical
smoke shaft system, fire and smoke
dampers can also be installed at key points
within the HVAC ductwork. When a fire is
detected and the fire management system
is triggered, the ventilation systems are shut
down and these dampers automatically
close, blocking the duct and preventing the
movement of smoke and flames. ​
 An Introduction to 41
Smoke Control

Sprinklers

Sprinkler systems are primarily designed to

contain and suppress the growth of a fire
until its fuel runs out or it is extinguished by
the fire service.​However, even when sprinkler
systems are in operation, it is still possible for
large volumes of smoke and toxic gasses to be
produced by the burning contents and spread
quickly through the building. This means that,
wherever possible, smoke evacuation must
form a necessary part of the fire management
plan.

The interaction between sprinkler and smoke

control systems can be complex and it is vital
that, where they are employed together, they
are designed holistically using a fire-engineered
approach to ensure one does not impact the
performance of another. ​
Regulations
and Compliance
 An Introduction to 43
Smoke Control

Smoke control systems must be designed,

tested and certified in accordance with any
local legislation and guidance, as well as
any overarching standards. Legislation varies
from region to region, and there are even
different stipulations for different building
types. Navigating these legal requirements
and best-practice can be a complex task,
especially for designers, contractors and
building owners working cross-regionally.

The governance of smoke control systems

works on three levels:

1. Application

Seek support In Europe, the application of smoke control

from experienced systems is governed at a regional level by
smoke control building regulations, specific legislation
for system and building types, and best
engineers to
practice guidance from industry bodies. It
ensure the is vital that system engineers and specifiers
correct standards thoroughly understand these stipulations
are being applied. to ensure that their smoke management
schemes are not only compliant, but also
that they have been designed and installed
to the best of current standards.

For more information on the relevant

standards in your region, please contact
Kingspan Light + Air.
44 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

2. Products

EN12101 smoke and heat control systems

provides the baseline standard for the
products used within all types of smoke
control systems in the EU. Member states
and other countries may also apply their own
legislation and guidance on top of this. Split
into a series of parts, the standard specifies
the requirements and provides testing
methods for all three types of smoke control
systems. Covering everything from the fans
and opening ventilators to smoke curtains
and dampers, it is important to check that
all the elements specified have been CE
marked to the appropriate part
of the standard.

Currently, seven parts have been published

as harmonised standards, although many of
them are being reviewed and updated:

- EN 12101-1 Specification for smoke barriers

- EN 12101-2 Natural smoke and heat exhaust
- EN 12101-3 Specification for powered smoke and
heat and control ventilators
- EN 12101-6 Specification for pressure differential
systems. Kits.
- EN 12101-7 Smoke duct sections
- EN 12101-8 Smoke control dampers
- EN 12101-10 Power supplies
- EN 12101-9 Smoke and heat control systems has not
yet been published as a harmonised standard.
 An Introduction to 45
Smoke Control

3. Maintenance

Regular and thorough testing and

maintenance of a smoke control system is
vital to safeguard its performance, even if
it has not been activated. Consequently,
many countries have specific legislation that
demands these checks are carried out. For
example, in a number of regions in Europe,
smoke control systems must legally be kept
in good working order and serviced once a
year by skilled and competent people who
understand the specific system installed.

Whilst other regions may not enforce such

strict maintenance laws, the importance is
such that responsible business owners and
operators must still apply a strict, annual
schedule to ensure the ongoing functionality
of the systems in place and the safety of the
building users.
Refurbishment
and retrofit
 An Introduction to 47
Smoke Control

When a building is upgraded, or its use

defined in a new way, it is essential to
reassess the fire risk and update the fire
management plan. This is typically the
responsibility of the building owner or facilities
manager; however, it can also fall under the
designer’s or contractor’s remit. This may
include installing or commissioning a new
smoke control system, ensuring regulatory
compliance and occupant safety, irrespective
of building age.

Refurbishment applications

Refurbishing an existing smoke control system

may be necessary to ensure it remains
fit for purpose throughout a building’s
lifetime, reacting to any changes in use or
developments in smoke control regulation.
This is particularly relevant to buildings built
to allow for multiple functions, such as
multi-unit commercial schemes or shell-only
building developments. Having a regular,
proactive maintenance schedule in place
can help to streamline this process, and even
reduce upfront costs, as different elements
can be upgraded periodically when necessary.

Additionally, when a roof is refurbished to

achieve higher levels of thermal performance,
it is possible to install natural smoke exhaust
ventilators that offer improved U-values,
helping to create a more energy efficient and
sustainable property.
48 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Retrofit applications

On buildings where no smoke management

solution has been installed, such as heritage
properties, it will be necessary to design-
in a new solution from scratch. Retrofit
applications are complex, with system
designers having to navigate the existing
building geometry and technical limitations,
balancing them with modern legislation
and building standards. Therefore, it is vital
that retrofit smoke control designs are only
undertaken by qualified and experienced fire
engineers to ensure that the best solution is
selected, and it achieves compliance with the
necessary regulations.
Service and
maintenance
50 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Handover

Whatever solution is implemented, the

building must be handed over to the building
owner and facilities manager with clear and
comprehensive documentation, including:

- Technical details about the system components

- Details on where they are located
- Installation and commissioning certificates
- Instructions on how to operate the system for both
the end user and the fire service
- A clear outline of the maintenance requirements
and their responsibility to uphold them

Maintenance

Whether natural or mechanical, smoke

control systems comprise several different
components. The system’s performance
is not only reliant on the interactions
between each of these elements, but also
its interaction with other parts of the fire
management plan, such as alarm systems
or sprinklers. Failure of a single element
can impact the effectiveness of the whole
system, potentially resulting in a complete
breakdown.

A proactive and frequent checking and

testing schedule is therefore vital. It is
recommended that this is done monthly,
typically by site personnel, with a thorough
service at least once a year to ensure it
performs as anticipated as part of the fire
safety strategy.
 An Introduction to 51
Smoke Control

Smoke control It is the responsibility of the building owner or

systems should be operator to ensure a suitable schedule is put
tested yearly by a in place, and that the main, yearly service is
done by a skilled and competent person. As
competent person
detailed in the regulation and compliance
and a service and section, these checks are a legal requirement
maintenance in many regions. However, beyond the legal
contract should be repercussions, building owners have a duty
put in place as soon of care to the people who use their building.
as a system Neglecting to maintain a system can lead
is installed. to under performance which, if a fire breaks
out, could have devastating consequences.

Operating a proactive maintenance plan also

carries additional benefits. Regular servicing
can extend the lifespan of the components,
minimising the risk of system failure and
the need for and cost of replacements.
It offers the opportunity to upgrade the
system in light of any advancements in the
technologies used and helps to ensure that
the system is always compliant with any
legislative developments.

The specifics of how you maintain a system

is dependent on a number of factors, from
what type of system it is, to how frequently
it is used. However, there are some basic
actions building owners or operators can
take to ensure their smoke control system will
always perform as expected:

1. A service and maintenance contract

should be taken out as soon as a system
is installed. Competent maintenance
providers will always look at the system
holistically, checking every component,
from the control panel to the ventilators,
in the context of its role within the wider
system and its dependency on other
52 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

elements. They will also thoroughly test

the system for assurance, including
checking that any back up power systems
are active.

2. Smoke system checks should also form

part of the building maintenance plan,
including checking the status of any
monitoring systems for fault alerts and
visually assessing components for any
obvious damage. Any issues should be
immediately reported to the overall
maintenance service provider.
How can
Kingspan Light +
Air support your
project?
54 An Introduction to
Smoke Control

Drawing on knowledge and experience from

across the globe, Kingspan Light + Air offers full
project support—from initial fire engineering
consultancy at the design stage, to supplying
and commissioning products and bespoke
solutions, through to providing ongoing
service and maintenance throughout the
system’s lifetime—helping to ensure continuing
compliance and reassurance that the system
will perform as expected in the event of a fire.

01 02
Design Specification

Our experienced and Through constant innovation

qualified fire engineers use and testing, we offer some
the latest software and of the highest quality
design methods to design natural and mechanical
a suitable smoke control smoke control solutions on
system which is tailored to the market. With a complete
the project requirements portfolio of products, we
and complies with local can provide impartial advice
regulations. on which will be better
suited to a specific project.

03 04 05
Installation Commission Maintenance

Our network of installers Once the project is Our expert engineering

have the skills and completed, our experienced teams can complete regular,
qualifications to ensure and trusted commissioners mandatory checks to ensure
each system is fitted can check the system has continuing performance
correctly and to the been installed to the correct and compliance, in addition
highest standards, standards and efficiently to providing advice on
ensuring it will perform interfaces with the whole refurbishment opportunities.
as expected. fire management system.
Head Office
Kingspan Light + Air Limited
Carrickmacross Road
Kingscourt, Co. Cavan
T: +353 (0) 42 969 8500
F: +353 (0) 42 969 8572
E: info@kingspanlightandair.com
www.kingspanlightandair.com

Disclaimer: This guide is intended to give an overview of

smoke control methods and systems. It is not a definitive
guide or a replacement for technical advice, and professional
fire-engineering support should always be sought before
undertaking any smoke management work. Whilst every effort
has been made to ensure accuracy, Kingspan Light + Air is not
responsible for any errors in third party links.

09/2020