Effective Smoke Ventilation Design – Compliance is Critical

Smoke ventilation is a critical element in fire safety, particularly in multi-storey residential buildings as it not only helps occupants to escape, but also improves the access for fire fighters by keeping corridors and other areas clear of smoke.

In the first of this three part series looking at smoke control from a contractors' perspective, Will Perkins, Group Managing Director of smoke and natural ventilation specialist, SE Controls, looks at building design and the legislative framework, together with some of the obligations, issues and opportunities they present to contractors.

Usually when talk turns to building design, the focus tends to be directed towards aspects such as innovative exterior, the construction methods, energy efficiency and the interior space, yet good building design must also ensure that it is safe.

Fire safety is a vital component of any building design and smoke ventilation solutions are now commonplace, where legislation has driven the need for increasingly effective methods of supporting escape and protecting occupants by venting smoke from corridors and communal areas.

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