FOCUS
Clear on smoke David Mowatt examines some of the key points
to consider when designing and installing a smoke control system within common escape routes in apartment buildings
F
OLLOWING THE tragic Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent review of the Building Regulations by Dame Judith Hackitt, the
Smoke Control Association (SCA) submitted proposals to improve smoke control guidelines, and is now working on a revision of its guidance document to offer clear recommendations and advice on preventing the spread of smoke in high rise buildings. Statistics relating to catastrophic fi res show
that smoke inhalation is more of a threat to life than direct exposure to the fi re itself. In burning apartment buildings, this threat is heightened further, unless measures are put in place to keep escape routes clear of smoke. The main objective of any smoke ventilation system is to prevent the spread of smoke through the building and, critically, to keep the staircase clear while occupants evacuate and firefighters enter the building.
Overall fi re strategy
When considering a smoke control system in an apartment building, it is important to recognise
40 SEPTEMBER 2018
www.frmjournal.com
that no matter what the system type is, it should be part of an overall fi re engineering strategy and should not be designed in isolation. The designer should ensure that the proposed system complements the fire safety strategy and provides the necessary levels of protection, in the same way that the architect and fire engineer should ensure that the building layout provided to the designer is entirely accurate and up to date. With this in mind, it is recommended
firstly that the design team should seek an early consultation with an experienced smoke control system designer prior to work commencing. In addition, before putting forward any design proposals, designers should consider the requirements contained within the Building Regulations, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and any other legislation that is relevant. Consultation with the regulatory authorities may also assist in achieving an appropriate design.
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