Specialist Integration and Regulatory Compliance for Fire and Smoke Control Systems.
Based on our experience with specialist smoke and ventilation subcontractors, we have outlined below several important points regarding fire and smoke controlled systems.
Fire and smoke control systems demand significantly more input from the specifier or client compared to the standard ventilation products that we offer. This increased involvement is essential to ensure that the systems are designed, installed and maintained to meet strict regulatory requirements and operational standards.
Meticulous planning and collaboration are crucial for the successful implementation of these advanced systems, given their critical role in ensuring safety during emergency situations.
Before specifying and procuring a smoke ventilation control system, please consider the following regulatory requirements:
Under the mandated UK Construction Product Regulations, products with a Harmonised European Standard (HEN) must be CE certified against that standard. For windows automated for smoke ventilation, this falls under the smoke and heat exhaust ventilator (SHEV) standard EN12101-2.
EN 12101-2 requires that actuators and vent profiles are tested together as a single system at an accredited facility, ensuring compliance with all test annexes of the standard. Additionally, strict audited procedures must be followed for fabricating and installing the components to ensure they are manufactured as tested. Failure to adhere to these procedures means the required Declaration of Performance (DoP) certificate cannot be issued, rendering the solution non-compliant.
For system longevity and performance, it is critical that the control system undergoes regular maintenance. BS7346 specifies bi-annual maintenance for smoke ventilation products of this nature.
Key considerations for AOV control systems include:
By following these guidelines, you can ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain the effectiveness and reliability of your smoke ventilation control system.
Our general policy is for the specialist responsible for supplying all fire and smoke control systems to “free issue” The Standard Patent Glazing Company with the correct type and number of smoke vents. This enables our installation team to incorporate them into the glazing system, excluding any electrical work and wiring. This ensures a streamlined and efficient installation process.
Once installed, the smoke vents are ready to accept the electrical connections from the specialist. At a later, pre-arranged date, the specialist will commission the system before the final handover. This ensures that the system is fully operational and compliant with all relevant standards.
This approach guarantees that the responsibility and warranty for the system remain with the supplier/installer, avoiding split responsibility and ensuring that the final building user is not inconvenienced. It also emphasises our commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant installations.
If the designers confirm that the number and sizes of the ventilators meet the building’s smoke ventilation requirements, we may offer the supply of a smoke control system based on the tender drawings and specifications you provide. However, it is crucial to understand that due to the specialised and highly regulated nature of this work, we would sub-let these tasks to a recognised specialist smoke and ventilation subcontractor.
This ensures that all aspects of the installation are handled by experts who are fully versed in the latest regulations and best practices. By doing so, we can provide our customers with the highest level of assurance that their systems are safe, compliant, and reliable.
Typical smoke control panel.
