IFC SDI 19 – Category 4
TGM holds IFC SDI 19 – Category 4 accreditation for complex smoke control systems.
We support buildings with specialist smoke control expertise, including natural ventilation, automatic opening vents (AOVs) and mechanical smoke ventilation.
Smoke control systems are designed to manage smoke, improve visibility along escape routes and support evacuation and firefighting. Talk to our team about your building, system requirements or ongoing maintenance.
How do smoke ventilation systems work?
There are two main types of smoke ventilation which are natural and mechanical systems.
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Natural smoke ventilation systems - smoke shafts, window vents and skylights. They are designed to automatically open when heat and smoke sensors are activated. You’ll often see smoke ventilation systems referred to as AOV which stands for Automatic Opening Vents. This system can be used for emergencies and air flow for hot days.
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Mechanical ventilation systems are more advanced. Smoke is extracted via a mechanical ventilation system which can serve lobbies, stairwells & corridors which will be used for escape routes. Fans inside the shaft extracts smoke and protects other parts of the building from smoke.
Smoke control requirements
Smoke control should be designed around the building’s layout, use, escape routes and fire strategy. The appropriate solution may involve natural or mechanical ventilation.
For projects in England, Approved Document B provides guidance on meeting the Building Regulations’ fire safety requirements. The applicable edition and transitional provisions should be checked for each project.
TGM can help assess your smoke control requirements and plan installation, commissioning and maintenance.
