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.