Fire safety in a building is one of the number one priorities when constructing properties, whether this is commercial or domestic. Many solutions have been implemented in large buildings to deal with fire and smoke. We will be looking at some of the different methods of smoke management and how they benefit you. One of these methods of smoke control comes in AOV systems. Let’s take a closer look at an AOV smoke vent in Buckinghamshire.
AOV Systems (Automatic Opening Vent)
– What is an AOV System?
AOV (automatic opening vent) systems are employed in the stairwells of structures like apartment buildings and office buildings. In the event of a fire, their main purpose is to safeguard popular escape routes by removing smoke to allow for people’s safe exit. An AOV system removes smoke from community stairwells and corridors if a fire occurs and these areas become smoke-filled. The stairwell ventilator supplies fresh air to the area as smoke is removed. This is essential for allowing people to leave the building safely and for firemen to access the property with ease to fight the fire. Aurora Group offers different types of AOV window vents to suit many different property designs.
Why Choose Aurora Group to Install Your AOV Smoke Vent in Buckinghamshire
Aurora Group, based in Basildon, is a smoke ventilation company that offers unparalleled customer service and expertise in the field of fire safety. All of our staff are fully trained and efficient with many years of experience in the installation and maintenance of fire safety products. We have effective quality control measures to ensure the safety of the people within the property.
Principles of Smoke Ventilation With HVAC
During fires, HVAC systems activate to remove smoke. The HVAC system can move smoke from an unoccupied area of a property where a fire begins to a location where people can smell it and become aware of the fire. The HVAC should be configured so that, in the event of a fire or smoke detection, either the fans are turned off or it enters a special smoke control mode.
Smoke Ventilation Systems
– What is a Smoke ventilation system?
The smoke clearance procedure for each structure will be tailored to meet its unique needs, but each structure’s smoke ventilation systems will function on the same basic principle. Automatic smoke vents (sometimes also referred to as smoke vents) will be installed all throughout a structure to guard common areas like hallways or escape stairs. The vents will open if smoke or heat detectors detect a fire, allowing smoke to climb up and escape the structure.
Effective smoke vent systems will clear smoke from a path of escape, lowering airborne pollutants and enhancing visibility. Smoke control aids firemen in entering the structure, finding the fire, and putting it out while also assisting building residents in making a safe evacuation. Smoke ventilation systems are regarded as “life safety systems” and are crucial to the prevention of fires because of these factors.
Smoke Control Systems
– What is a smoke control system?
Effective smoke control may remove smoke from escape routes within high-rise buildings, including hallways, lobbies, and particularly staircases. When smoke is detected in any of the protected spaces, the floor-by-floor smoke control apparatus, which is designed to operate, is triggered. Smoke can be cleared from the affected area while keeping clear escape routes thanks to the automatic opening of smoke doors and AOVs that are brought about by this.
Smoke ventilation makes it possible to produce a layer that is smoke-free by getting rid of the smoke. This makes it simpler to evacuate safely and enables the suppression of a small fire. Smoke can be discharged either mechanically or naturally. Natural smoke ventilation uses hot smoke’s intrinsic buoyancy and the airflow dynamics of smoke and air to remove smoke off a building’s façade.
Mechanical Smoke Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation systems use powered components like fans to propel smoke into vents, grills, and dampers where it can escape. In general, mechanical systems use a smoke shaft and are frequently more effective, occasionally needing a very short smoke shaft.
Natural Ventilation Solutions
By taking advantage of the hot smoke’s inherent buoyancy and the airflow dynamics of smoke and air, natural smoke ventilation extinguishes smoke. Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) are utilised at a high level inside a structure when a fire is discovered to let the smoke out when the vents are automatically opened.
Building Fire Safety
The health and safety of people is the number one priority for many businesses. There are many ways to prevent a fire or make it safer for people to escape in the event of a fire. Here are some of those tips:
- Have fire extinguishers in designated areas.
- Make sure fire extinguishers are in good working order and kept full.
- Ensure all emergency exits are clear at all times and not locked.
- Install fire and smoke alarms at various places throughout the property.
- Train all the occupants on what to do in the event of a fire.
- Create an effective escape plan.