New approach makes smoke control simple but effective

Long-established fire safety firm Smoke Control Services (SCS) has launched a new smoke extract system designed to provide simplified solutions for apartment blocks of all sizes whilst allowing maximum space optimisation.

With over 50,000 fires in dwellings in the UK every year and more than 300 fatalities, the majority of which are caused by the effects of smoke, protecting common escape routes to enable people to exit the building safely in the event of a fire is crucial.

The standardised uniForce system protects escape routes for residents by removing smoke from the lobby or other common areas before it has a chance to accumulate.

By working with Swansea University scientists SCS has succeeded in developing a standardised solution which removes the need for bespoke modelling and design in most cases. As a result the time and cost to builders of designing and installing is significantly reduced.
Because a large portion of the bespoke design has been removed the modular components of the UniForce system are simply selected relevant to the size of the building.

The extract fan module is selected according to the number of floors to be protected and the size of the shaft, and an inlet damper with control panel is required for each floor. The main fan control panel is also a standard product thereby reducing the manufacturing time required and removing the need for tailored design and literature.

Smoke Control Services’ Managing Director Allan Meek said: “In our experience blocks of flats are essentially the same and we have designed our systems to fit most buildings without bespoke engineering. This ensures compliance with building regulations without the need for negotiation with approving authorities, thus removing the risks associated with fire engineered solutions.

“Our philosophy is to offer simple standard solutions which offer peace of mind, are easy to accommodate, have low energy usage and are low maintenance, which makes them high value and low risk for builders.”

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