Smoke vents are an essential part of the fire emergency plan of a building. These are designed to keep the staircases and corridors in a building clear by providing an escape route to smoke in case of a fire. It also helps in allowing the fire fighters to access the building in order to extinguish the fire effectively.
Smoke vents are usually of two types including mechanical automated vents and natural vents. Both these systems have their own advantages. In case of a natural smoke ventilation system, there are high-level vents that are designed to automatically open and allow the smoke to escape. There are also low level openings that allow entry of replacement air which helps in pushing the smoke out and pushing in fresh air. These smoke ventilation system helps in preventing a building on fire from overheating. If you’re looking for the very best in the industry, we’d say it’s in your interests to invest in mardome trade smoke vents.
In case of a natural ventilation system, the high-level vents open automatically along with the low-level air openings. The system, when correctly installed, makes sure that smoke is able to get out rapidly and fresh air from outside is pulled in quickly to reduce the risk of fatalities. Smoke venting system helps in making a building safe and secure for the people inside. It can also be used for comfort ventilation. The vents can be opened every day to create a pleasant indoor climate.
While fire regulations have been taking shape since the 19th century, the introduction of smoke and heat vents took place after several large fires at huge automotive plants. Smoke vents are of excellent use in case of a fire as evidence suggests that 60% of all fatalities in the case of a major fire happen due to smoke and not due to the actual fire. This statistic alone underpins the importance of keeping staircases and escape routes clear of smoke.
There are many companies involved in designing smoke control systems. These systems are designed to reduce the risk of roof collapse and explosions, and to keep the escape routes protected for the occupants in the building to evacuate safely without being unimpeded by smoke. Rapid ventilation of smoke also allows fire fighters to enter the building safely in order to extinguish the fire quickly. It also helps in protecting the machines and stock inside the building.
There are many different types of smoke control systems in use today and it is important for the fire emergency plan designers to consider the pros and cons of different systems in order to choose a smoke ventilation system that is right for a particular building.