The aim of this group

To represent and promote the UK smoke control industry. The membership can be relied upon to provide impartial guidance. Click here for a brief description of the SCA and the work it does.

Smoke Control Association and BAFSA issue joint statement

The Grenfell fire tragedy and subsequently the Dame Judith Hackitt report have focused attention and scrutiny on fire safety systems. In particular, issues have been raised around the culture of the construction industry and the need for a more rigorous regime to ensure correct certification of fire safety products and the professional competence of the contractors who install them.

Dame Judith’s report included a key recommendation for the fire safety sector to demonstrate leadership by developing a proactive and accountable approach to the specifying, installation and maintenance of fire safety products.

Some different types of smoke control systems

Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation Systems (SHEVS). Whether these are natural or powered, they remove smoke from the building. Inlet ventilators, dampers and ductwork are also often integrated into the scheme.

  1. Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation Systems (SHEVS)
    Whether these are natural or powered, they remove smoke from the building. Inlet ventilators, dampers and ductwork are also often integrated into the scheme.

  2. Smoke Containment Systems
    These prevent the movement of smoke and heat from one area to another. They take the form either of physical barriers such as smoke curtains or fire curtains, or as pressure differential systems, also known as pressurisation systems.

  3. Car Park Ventilation Systems
    Induction (or jet) fans clear smoke from enclosed or underground car parks. These are often combined with fume ventilation to prevent the build-up of vehicle exhaust gases in normal day to day use of the car park. Louvres, dampers, and powered smoke extraction fans are also often integrated into the scheme.
    The chairman of the Smoke Control Association says: “Smoke is the greatest threat in a fire. A fire can fill an area of 10,000m2 with smoke within minutes. 5 breaths are all it could take to lose consciousness. Effective smoke control saves lives”.

Directory of Standards

The directory of standards lists the various associations within FETA and the standards that are appropriate to those parts of the membership. Also included are the various BSI committees that have responsibility for each standard. The directory was compiled by Ian Andrews Associates, specialist in directives, regulations, standards and legislation for the appliance and ventilation industries. Available as a free download to FETA members.

Advise

If you have a question please email info@smokecontrol.org.uk and we will look to provide an answer to your query.