Controlling the spread of fire and smoke is just as important as fighting the fire itself, because smoke is the biggest danger to life and the main obstacle to escape and firefighting. Fire and smoke control measures keep fire and smoke contained or channel smoke safely away, protecting escape routes and helping the fire service. This includes fire and smoke dampers that maintain compartmentation through ductwork, and smoke control systems that manage where smoke goes. MEP designs, supplies and installs fire and smoke control systems across the UK.
Ductwork that passes through a fire-resisting wall or floor would otherwise provide a clear path for fire and smoke, undermining compartmentation. Fire and smoke dampers are fitted where ducts cross these barriers, and they close automatically in a fire, a fire damper on heat and a smoke damper on a signal from the detection system, to seal the opening and maintain the integrity of the compartment. Like other passive measures, they must be correctly installed and regularly tested to be relied upon.
Beyond containment, smoke control systems actively manage smoke to keep escape routes and firefighting access usable. This can involve extracting smoke from a protected area, or pressurising stairwells and lobbies so smoke is kept out of them. Well-designed smoke control gives occupants a clear route out and gives firefighters a tenable environment to work in. We assess the building and its fire strategy, and design and install dampers and smoke control measures to the relevant standards so fire and smoke are properly managed.
Get in touch with our team of fire suppression experts to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored solution.
Smoke is the greatest danger to life in a fire and the main barrier to escape and firefighting. Controlling it protects people and helps the fire service.
A device fitted where ductwork crosses a fire-resisting wall or floor that closes automatically in a fire to maintain the building’s compartmentation.
A fire damper typically closes on heat to block fire, while a smoke damper closes on a signal from the detection system to control the spread of smoke.
It manages smoke to keep escape routes and firefighting access clear, for example by extracting smoke or pressurising stairwells and lobbies.
Yes. Like other passive measures, fire and smoke dampers must be correctly installed and regularly tested to be sure they will operate in a fire.
Some other offerings by MEP that you might be interested in.
