Why smoke control systems need regular attention Smoke control systems protect escape routes such as corridors and stairwells, so that building occupants can safely evacuate in the case of a fire. The two types of smoke control
system, mechanical and natural, both unfortunately degrade with age. This means that they need to be routinely assessed for efficiency. As they degrade, the following issues
could reduce performance in life- threatening ways: • Fans could lose efficiency • Dampers could fail • Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) could fail to open correctly • Electrics or controls could fail Without testing, these systems will only
come into play in real fire conditions, which could be too late if you realise they have degraded. Depending on how old they are, some older smoke control systems may not meet modern expectations or performance standards. Key signs it’s time to review or upgrade Even technically functioning fire safety systems need to be reviewed and upgraded on a regular basis. Consider thorough review and
upgrades if: • The system is older than ten years • Commissioning records or documented testing records are missing
• There are frequent faults, breakdowns or recurring maintenance issues
• There have been building alterations that impact airflow or fire compartmentation
• Complaints or concerns have been raised by occupants, staff or maintenance teams
• There have been changes to regulations, standards or guidance since the system was designed
The risks of an outdated fire safety strategy An outdated fire strategy can mean occupants are at risk and that you, or whoever is legally responsible for the building, are liable for that risk. Smoke spread is a key risk to
consider, and one that can have grave consequences. Smoke can compromise escape routes, such as corridors and stairwells, interfering in evacuation processes. It can also demonstrably reduce visibility and create dangerous tenability conditions for occupants. Outdated fire strategies and systems c an also increase risks faced by firefighters
KF230
attending incidents, because they might face confusion or a change in the expected emergency procedures. The greatest risk to consider, that we
are all working to avoid, is fire leading to fatalities. In addition to loss of life, businesses with outdated fire strategies will be risking consequences through legal, insurance and compliance routes, as well as risks to business continuity and reputation. The benefits of upgrading your fire safety system and strategy The key benefit of upgrading your fire safety is improving the safety for your occupants and staff during an evacuation. Newer fire safety and smoke control
systems will be more reliable, giving everyone involved more confidence in their performance. Many also have better monitoring, diagnostics and performance validation capabilities, taking advantage of newer technologies. Having new fire safety technology installed can also mitigate insurance increases and, in many cases, decrease your insurance premium. Updated fire safety strategies that
consider changes in a building and how it is being used are more likely to get over the compliance hurdles in current regulations and fire safety guidance. Taking a proactive approach to
upgrading can literally save lives. It can also be much more affordable to address early, rather than waiting until there is an urgent need to replace. Upgrade or replace? Upgrading may be the better choice when the following conditions are in place: • Your existing infrastructure is still fundamentally sound • Only a few selected components require replacement or modernisation
Upgrades will likely be considered first, due to being cheaper. They also allow for phased implementation that can help to spread costs and reduce building disruption. Full system replacement will always be a
better long-term solution, and ultimately, more cost effective than having to run a continuous upgrade programme. Replacement will be needed if:
• Your existing system has reached an end-of-life condition, or is old enough that replacement parts are obsolete • Repeated faults and false alarms indicate wider reliability issues
• The original design is no longer relevant to the building’s current or future use Whether upgrading or replacing, always make sure that your solution is in line with the latest regulations and guidance, for both safety and compliance reasons. Any new system or upgrade will have to
work within the practical constraints of your business, whether that is retrofitting in an occupied building, managing limited space for new ductwork or equipment, or integrating with existing building management systems. Cost will also be a consideration, with the need to balance upfront costs with long-term maintenance and replacement savings, as well as compliance benefits. Fire safety strategies must evolve alongside the building itself. Rather than waiting for an emergency or a point of failure, proactive reviews of your system and strategy will help you keep occupants safe and your building fully compliant. A proactive approach and a clear plan for when to upgrade and when to replace will help safeguard lives and property, as well as helping ensure your building remains safe, compliant and resilient.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
