.
Smoke control systems play a vital role in ensuring the safety of buildings, firefighters, and people during fire incidents. These systems work in conjunction with various components to effectively manage smoke and maintain safe evacuation routes.
Smoke control systems offer firefighters greater control in keeping escape routes and common areas clear of smoke. This enables them to have more time to safely evacuate people and conduct search operations. Additionally, these systems help contain the smoke to the specific floor or area where the fire originated. This enables quicker access to the source. By confining the smoke, the overall damage to the building can be minimised.
Smoke control systems are typically activated automatically by smoke detectors. In natural systems, they may open Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs), while mechanical fans are activated in other systems to extract smoke or create a pressure differential to keep smoke away from occupants. This activation occurs even before the arrival of the firefighting team, allowing immediate evacuation of the building occupants.
However, in certain situations, firefighters may need to adjust the system's behaviou to align with their firefighting strategies. This can involve controlling specific components in different areas of the building. For instance, they may choose to open or close stairwell ventilators at specific levels or adjust fan speeds in pressure differential systems.
Firefighters can achieve manual control of the smoke control system through control panels or manual override switches. While these controls offer benefits to firefighters, there are challenges associated with their usage due to variations in design and installation across different smoke control companies.
Control panel designs and interfaces differ among smoke control companies, leading to a lack of familiarity for firefighters with each system's operating instructions. Moreover, the placement of these controls within buildings can vary, causing delays as firefighters search for them. In unfamiliar situations, incorrect operation of a control panel can inadvertently enable or disable system components, rendering the system ineffective. Therefore, there is a case for smoke control systems to be designed to automatically operate in firefighting mode without the need for manual intervention.
The Smoke Control Association (SCA) plays a significant role in promoting and improving the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of life safety smoke ventilation systems across different building types. As members, we strive to lead the market and ensure that smoke ventilation systems and products adhere to relevant regulations and standards. This commitment benefits building owners, occupants, and the wider community.
To learn more about the Smoke Control Association and their efforts, you can visit their website.
Book a site survey with G.S Stothers now.