Your Guide To Smoke Ventilation Systems
When fire strikes, the dangers go beyond the flames, as the smoke is another considerable risk. Smoke poses risks that can make a fire emergency even more difficult to deal with, from obstructing sight to causing respiratory problems, which is why particular measures to combat it should be in place.
Smoke ventilation systems are some of the best ways to combat smoke and ensure your premises remain safe for evacuation during an emergency. They are implemented in all kinds of premises and are particularly useful for businesses and other public-access properties.
At Nomico Fire & Security, we provide comprehensive smoke ventilation systems as we understand the value of protecting both properties and people. In this guide, we are sharing everything you need to know about smoke ventilation systems and the options you have, so you can make informed decisions regarding your safety.
What Do Smoke Ventilation Systems Do?
Before we can discuss your options for smoke ventilation systems and which one is best for you, we first need to explain what they do.
Smoke ventilation systems offer additional protection through smoke control, which is vital during a fire. These systems are a great tool for your protection, no matter which type you choose, as they all offer benefits such as:
- Improved Evacuation Routes: Smoke obstructs visibility, making it difficult for people to see the proper evacuation routes during a fire. Smoke ventilation systems operate by clearing and controlling smoke, making it easier to see escape routes and ensure a safer evacuation during emergencies.
- Protects Firefighters: Smoke ventilation systems don’t just help the people inside when a fire breaks out, but also those responsible for fighting the flames and protecting us. By clearing the smoke, ventilation systems also offer better visibility and reduce smoke toxicity levels for fire and rescue teams who have to enter the building.
- Minimised Property Damage: Removing smoke helps to limit soot and heat damage to a building’s structure and contents, limiting the amount of damage the building will be exposed to during a fire.
- Compliance: Building regulations in the UK, such as the Approved Document B, include mandates for smoke control in certain types of structures and smoke ventilation systems provide this.
Now that you understand the benefits of smoke ventilation systems and why they are so important, it is time to consider your options.
The Three Types Of Smoke Ventilation Systems
There are three main types of smoke ventilation systems available to suit specific needs. Based on your property, requirements and even budget, you can consider one of these three options to ensure you are getting the best protection possible.
1) Natural Smoke Ventilation Systems
Natural smoke ventilation systems (NSVS) rely on natural airflow to remove smoke and other hot gases from a building during a fire. To encourage natural airflow and help reduce the smoke, natural smoke ventilation systems require openings such as windows, vents or roof hatches to be employed and will be activated when smoke is detected.
How It Works
The process for NSVS is fairly simple, but it can be highly effective – when smoke is detected, strategically installed windows or vents will automatically open to encourage natural airflow.
These vents are open to the fresh air outside and when opened will create a natural pathway for smoke to rise and escape, as hot air rises. While heat rises, the cool, fresh air from outdoors will filter down into the building, replacing the smoke, and creating a clearer route to escape.
Best Applications
- Warehouses
- Residential blocks (specifically in communal areas, such as stairwells)
- Shopping centres
- Car parks with open layouts
These systems are a cost-effective solution and are used where the architectural design allows for natural airflow, such as with high-rise windows. It is important to note that while this can be an effective solution for some properties, external factors such as wind and temperature can influence how effective these smoke ventilations will be.
2) Mechanical Smoke Ventilation Systems
Mechanical smoke ventilation systems (MSVS) use powered fans and other mechanical equipment to actively extract smoke from a building during fires. Through active smoke control, these systems are designed to provide controlled and reliable ventilation, regardless of environmental factors, and therefore have a wider application than NSVS.
How It Works
When smoke or heat is detected, high-powered exhaust fans are triggered and begin spinning to suck smoke out of a room. These fans are often connected by a system of ducts, which will trigger a domino effect to ensure that all fans begin working during a fire to extract smoke from specific areas.
While the fans are spinning, separate air inlets allow fresh air to flow in, replacing the contaminated air and creating a safer environment for inhabitants.
Best Applications
- High-rise buildings
- Enclosed car parks
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Underground train stations or tunnels
The effectiveness of mechanical smoke ventilation systems is unrivalled in areas where natural airflow is not possible or ineffective, making them a great alternative for many buildings. It is important to note that these kinds of smoke ventilation systems do have higher installation fees and maintenance costs compared to natural ones, as they require more complex work.
However, the predictability of smoke ventilation is a huge advantage and a great tool for safety in enclosed spaces.
3) Hybrid Smoke Ventilation Systems
Hybrid smoke ventilation systems combine the benefits of both natural and mechanical systems, offering enhanced performance and greater reliability. These systems switch between natural and mechanical ventilation, depending on the severity of the fire and the needs of the building.
How It Works
For minor smoke outbreaks, hybrid smoke ventilation systems use natural ventilation which ensures cost efficiency for the building owner without compromising safety. However, if the smoke levels reach a certain threshold, the mechanical ventilation will trigger which can target the smoke more aggressively.
As a hybrid system, both fans and vents will work simultaneously to maximise smoke control and ensure a safe evacuation.
Best Applications
- Mixed-use buildings
- Offices
- Large foyers, such as in commercial spaces
- Industrial sites requiring a mix of open layouts and enclosed zones
Hybrid systems can be particularly effective for buildings which require day-to-day ventilation, offered through natural airflow, as well as ventilation for fire safety reasons.
The combination of natural and mechanical smoke ventilation makes hybrid systems suitable for a range of applications, delivering outstanding levels of smoke control and energy efficiency.
What Smoke Ventilation System Is Best For Me?
Choosing between smoke ventilation systems can vary greatly based on factors such as:
- The size and layout of your building
- The purpose of the space
- Local fire safety regulations
- Budget for fire safety and installations
- Accessibility within the property
To help you make the best decision for your unique requirements, work with professionals like our team at Nomico Fire & Security. We have experience working with all kinds of clients and can help you find the best solution for your needs.
We offer a comprehensive smoke ventilation system service and have our own unique solution which can make your decision easier. Our experts will provide the necessary advice and guidance, as well as professional installation, maintenance and repairs to keep you safe at all times.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about our smoke ventilation systems or to request a consultation, please reach out to the team today.
