The LWF Blog
Fire Safety Engineering for Design – Residential Smoke Ventilation – Part 210
November 18, 2024 11:39 amLWF’s Fire Safety Engineering blog series is written for Architects, building designers and others in the construction industry to highlight and promote discussion on all topics around fire engineering. In part 209, LWF began to look at mechanical ventilation. In part 210, we will discuss residential smoke ventilation and the effects of sprinklers when used in combination with ventilation systems.
In blocks of flats/apartment buildings, mechanical smoke ventilation can be used in common areas to prevent smoke from entering the stairways and to maintain tenability in corridors and landing areas. Mechanical smoke ventilation can be used as an alternative to natural or pressurisation systems.
As well as maintaining conditions for occupants of the appropriately ventilated building, firefighters entering to put out a fire will benefit too.
Designers of ventilation systems of any kind should consult local code requirements and recommendations prior to establishing a design. Additionally, comprehensive guidance on the design of mechanical smoke ventilation systems for residential buildings can be found on the Smoke Control Association’s website in their SCA Guide on smoke control to common escape routes.
In the past, there was some concern that the use of sprinklers and ventilation systems simultaneously in a fire could be detrimental. However, such concerns have proved to be unwarranted in practical experiments.
The smoke ventilation allows hot gases and fire materials to be released from the building through smoke vents and so reduces the spread of fire inside the building. Visibility is improved and conditions in the building are tenable, allowing occupant evacuation and firefighters to enter and undertake firefighting activities.
Early vent operation does not have a negative effect on sprinkler performance and where sprinklers are able to successfully subdue a fire, the vents may only be needed for post-fire smoke clearance. However, the operation of the ventilation system can only be a benefit in ensuring conditions of visibility and breathability are improved and the potential impact of this should be considered fully by the fire protection designer.
In part 211 of LWF’s series on fire engineering we will begin to look at fire suppression. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this blog, or wish to discuss your own project with one of our fire engineers, please contact us.
Lawrence Webster Forrest has been working with their clients since 1986 to produce innovative and exciting building projects. If you would like further information on how LWF and fire strategies could assist you, please contact the LWF office on 0800 410 1130.
While care has been taken to ensure that information contained in LWF’s publications is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of this information.