Smoke & Fire Protection Feature
Safety & Security
Key considerations when specifying smoke vents
Mark Baird from Bilco UK discusses how NSHEVs can be utilised to ensure the highest standards of safety for social housing and the key considerations that should be addressed to ensure successful specification
N
atural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEVs), more commonly known as smoke vents, provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Installed in the roof, they open by sensors or
remote control in response to exhaust smoke and noxious fumes. Suitable for installation throughout social housing properties, the aim of a smoke vent is to make a dangerous situation safer for all individuals.
DANGERS OF SMOKE INHALATION While many may presume that the biggest danger of a fire are the flames, smoke inhalation can be far more dangerous and life threatening. Statistics from the UK Fire and Rescue Services stated that the most common cause of death for fire-related fatalities between April 2020 and March 2021 was being overcome by gas or smoke. As a fire develops inside a building, it burns the oxygen in the air, removing
most of the available oxygen as part of ‘incomplete combustion’, which in turn produces toxic and potentially deadly carbon monoxide.
When a fire ignites in an enclosed space the smoke rising from the fire
gets trapped by the ceiling. It then begins to spread, forming an expanding layer that leaks into any gaps in the floors or walls. Tis can lead to individuals becoming disorientated, with their vision becoming increasingly clouded, hindering safe evacuation. Te installation of smoke vents in appropriate locations will protect
occupants in the event of a fire by preventing the excessive build-up of smoke and noxious fumes. Tis subsequently reduces the risk of smoke inhalation, horizontal fire spread and secondary ignitions as the smoke is quickly exhausted, enabling fire-fighters to safely enter the building to tackle the blaze and building occupants to exit quickly.
COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST As a social housing provider, ensuring the right product is used in the correct context is paramount to not only ensuring it is fit for purpose, but is also compliant with relevant regulations and provides the highest levels of safety.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMOctober/November 2022 | 41
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