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Smoke Vent

Design, Install and Maintenance Services

Systems

    What do we do?

    Whether you have an existing asset that needs to be improved or you are building something new, what sets us apart is our ability to guide clients through the complex landscape of building safety regulations, particularly those mandated for high-risk buildings following the 2021 regulatory changes. We encompass design, installation, and maintenance requirements to provide an end-to-end solution for our clients. 

    • Survey - assess whether your existing or proposed Smoke Vent Control system is compliant.

    • Design - your required Smoke Vent Control System.

    • Verify - your proposal against Building Regulations and British Standard.

    • Regulator Registration - apply and complete the BSR process for high-risk buildings (a legal requirement).
    • Install - your Smoke Vent Control System.
    • Maintain - your Smoke Vent Control System.

    New Project?

    Tell us a bit about you and your requirements and we will get in contact. 

    Peace of Mind

    • We carry £10m PI Insurance with Consort

    • We are members of the SCA, CHAS, CIBSE and other industry organisations

    • We will guide you through the complex world of the  Building Safety Regulator, if your building is >18m tall.

    • An end-to-end solution will ensure a better system installation.

    What is a Smoke Ventilation System?

    The purpose of a smoke ventilation system is to control the movement of smoke and combustion gases in the event of a fire, and discard of them in a safe location. They are designed to protect the people inside buildings and ensure firefighting personnel can access the premises to control and put out the fire.

    The most common case of fire-related fatalities (where the cause of death was known) was “overcome by gas or smoke”, given in 32 per cent* of fire-related fatalities, and so implementing a smoke ventilation system can dramatically improve the visibility and air quality of escape routes, and therefore increase the chance of survival.

    Smoke AOVs are a critical life safety system, and are designed to open automatically when fire is detected. It is vital that any smoke control systems are installed and maintained by a competent person with expert knowledge to ensure they're operating at optimum performance should they be needed.

    *https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/detailed-analysis-of-fires-attended-by-fire-and-rescue-services-england-april-2021-to-march-2022/detailed-analysis-of-fires-attended-by-fire-and-rescue-services-england-april-2021-to-march-2022

    Types of Smoke Control Systems

    Natural

    These systems rely on the natural properties of smoke to carry it out of the building.

    Mechanical

    These systems rely on fan sets to remove smoke. They are also known as MSVS (Mechanical Smoke Ventilation System) or smoke extract systems.

    Pressurisation

    A type of Pressure Differential System, these are designed to maintain higher air pressure within the escape route.

    Car Park

    Mechanical, natural or hybrid, these provide smoke and environmental ventilation to clear smoke from enclosed or underground car parks.

    An end-to-end solution

    Smoke heat exhaust vent (SHEV) systems are essential components in buildings for fire safety and protection. These systems help control the movement of smoke and heat during fires, reducing the spread of flames and the risk to occupants. By removing smoke from occupied spaces, SHEV systems improve visibility and provide cleaner air for evacuation, minimizing the potential for smoke inhalation-related injuries.

    Compliance with building regulations and insurance requirements for SHEV systems is crucial, as failure to install and maintain them properly can result in legal liabilities, higher insurance premiums, and difficulties in obtaining coverage.

    Our Services

    Engineering Design

    We survey your existing asset and describe what solution is required to bring it up to standard.

    Engineering Design

    We will produce an NBS Specification, Schematics and Technical Drawings for the SHEV system. 

    Design Verification

    Our in-house fire engineers will confirm the requirements for the SHEV system with the overall fire strategy in mind. 

    Design Verification

    To gain further confidence in the system proposal, we can provide you with a CFD analysis.

    System Installation

    We will act as principal contractor to ensure all SHEV works are completed according to the technical design and verification outputs. 

    SHEV Maintenance

    Maintenance contracts encompass cyclical maintenance, system servicing, and system cleaning to ensure the optimal functioning of systems over time.

      Comprehensive Solution

      • 1. Comprehensive Solution: We provide a holistic approach to smoke vent control, covering every stage from initial design to ongoing maintenance. This ensures a seamless experience as there is no need to coordinate with multiple vendors or service providers.
      • 2. Expertise in Regulatory Compliance: Our team possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in navigating building safety regulations, especially those pertaining to high-risk buildings. We stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes, and ensure that our solutions are fully compliant with these requirements.
      • 3. Guidance Through Regulatory Processes: We understand that navigating regulatory processes can be daunting and so we offer personalised guidance and support to our clients, helping them understand the regulatory landscape and ensuring that their smoke vent control systems meet all necessary compliance standards.
      • 4. Peace of Mind: Our clients know that their smoke vent control systems not only meet regulatory requirements but are also designed and installed to the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our end-to-end solution streamlines the process, saving time, effort, and potential headaches associated with compliance and maintenance.
      • 5. Minimised Risk and Liability: Our comprehensive approach to smoke vent control, coupled with our expertise in regulatory compliance, helps minimise the risk and liability for our clients. We take proactive steps to ensure that their buildings are safe and compliant, reducing the likelihood of fines, penalties, or legal issues arising from non-compliance.

      Talk to us.

      Want to learn more about how we can help?