Types of Smoke Ventilation Systems

Having a reliable and effective smoke ventilation system in place is an important part of fire safety and prevention that works to help protect the property and people inside from the dangers that fire can pose.

Here we go through the different types of smoke ventilation systems and explain what they are, how they work and what applications they are best suited for.

• What is a smoke ventilation system?

Different systems can work in a number of ways depending on the type, size and complexity of the property, but the basic design of them is to reduce the amount of smoke and heat accumulating inside the building in the event of a fire.

• Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs)

Designed to create a smoke free layer and reduce the build-up of smoke and heat, AOVs can include – automated roof hatches, wall mounted vents, louvres, internal smoke shafts and automatic opening windows. The AOV system utilises smart smoke control to automatically vent crucial areas such as stairwells, lobbies, and hallways to maintain the integrity of vital escape routes and ensure faster, safer evacuation for occupants.

• Natural smoke Ventilation Systems

This type of system uses passive forces of thermal buoyancy and wind to clear smoke and maintain safe escape routes for the occupants of the property. Natural ventilation systems utilise strategically placed windows, vents, and smoke shafts (where required) to disperse and vent smoke and fumes, provide a supply of fresh air and aid smoke clearance. 

These systems are very cost-effective and easy to maintain which makes them well suited for blocks of flats, apartments, or HMOs where budgets are limited.

• Mechanical Ventilation Systems

This type of system uses powered fans to force the movement of smoke and fumes through openings such as grills, vents and dampers. Generally, they will consist of a vertical, mechanical smoke shaft or exit shaft that will serve the common lobby or corridor of the building. In the event that smoke is detected in these areas, the openings on the affected floors will be triggered and the fans activated to extract the smoke, ensuring that escape routes are kept clear and making for a faster, safer evacuation for those inside.

These are best suited to larger buildings with longer exit routes who cannot accommodate natural smoke ventilation and in properties where space is at a premium.

• Car Park Ventilation Systems

In car parks it is important to ensure that not only are they kept clear in the event of a fire but to ensure that flammable gases and toxic fumes from motor exhausts do not build up to dangerous levels.

Both mechanical and natural ventilation can be used in car parks but the most effective method will depend on its layout, size and design. 

For smoke clearance – there must be sufficient openings to allow smoke to either leave the space naturally or be removed using mechanical extraction.