Current affairs Typically, this will include roof and wall
ventilators, supply or extract fans, dampers, ductwork, controls, power supplies and cabling. A smoke control system should be installed and commissioned in accordance with a detailed engineering plan, which should consider as a minimum: • subdivision of system into zones • component selection and compatibility
• system activation
• location of components and equipment
• electrical power supplies and cables • cause and effect summary •
system performance
Testing any form of ventilation system is a fundamental part of the process of setting to work and proving its performance against the design criteria. As smoke control systems are primarily life safety systems and/or to provide assistance to the fire and rescue service, it is imperative that the smoke control system is tested by the installer and then offered for witness testing to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to prove its compliance with the project specification and the approved design criteria.
BS 7346-8 sets out the recognised code of practice for commissioning and acceptance
testing of a smoke control system, including examples of certification.
Escape routes
In the event of an apartment fire, the build up of toxic smoke can reduce visibility, cause disorientation and eventually overcome occupants long before the fire itself becomes life threatening. Unless smoke is controlled and properly ventilated, escape routes can become inaccessible – both for occupants trying to escape and for firefighters entering the building. It follows therefore that a robust smoke
control system which has been properly designed, installed and maintained can ultimately save lives when it is incorporated into a wider fire engineering strategy
David Mowatt is chairman of the Smoke Control Association. For more information, view page 5
Further information on smoke control systems can be found at
www.feta.co.uk/associations/ hevac/specialist-groups/smoke-control- association. At the time of going to press, the full updated guide on smoke control in apartment buildings was due to have been published.
FOCUS
www.frmjournal.com SEPTEMBER 2018
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