Smoke Vent & Fire Extraction Systems
Life safety assets requiring strict performance governance.
Why Smoke Control Matters
Smoke kills more people in fires than flames. Smoke vent systems (Automatic Opening Vents - AOVs) and fire extraction systems remove smoke and heat from escape routes, stairwells, and protected areas, maintaining tenable conditions for evacuation and firefighting operations.
But these systems must activate reliably when needed. Weekly testing, 6-monthly servicing, and annual inspections to BS EN 12101 standards ensure functional readiness. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places maintenance obligations on responsible persons — failures create prosecution risk and catastrophic safety consequences.
Applicable Standards
Smoke and heat control systems standards
Components for smoke and heat control systems
Fire safety in building design, management and use
Building Regulations fire safety guidance
Legal requirement for functional smoke control
Responsible Person Obligations
Inspection & Testing Frequencies
| Test Type | Frequency | Components Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Operation | Weekly | Manual call point activation, visual confirmation |
| Functional Test | 6-monthly | Actuators, motors, control panels, detectors |
| Full Inspection | Annually | Complete system, backup power, integration |
| Emergency Power | Monthly | Battery condition and charge status |
Non-Compliance Consequences
Life Safety Failure
Non-functional smoke vents trap occupants in smoke-filled spaces during fires, preventing evacuation and causing deaths. Responsible persons face Corporate Manslaughter charges when system failures cause fatalities.
Fire service enforcement under Fire Safety Order
No cap on penalties for fire safety breaches
Up to 2 years for responsible persons
Building closures until compliance achieved
Claims rejected without maintenance records
Our Smoke Vent Service
We deliver systematic smoke control system maintenance through specialist engineers:
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Smoke Vent Maintenance?
Request a proposal for smoke vent and fire extraction system services.