Why undertake a smoke shaft air test? Many clients ask this question, so let us explain the why’s and how in more detail. All building that have a smoke shaft, should have an air tightness test in compliance with Legislation and standards, such as BS 9999 and BS 9991. Air testing for smoke shafts is a critical step in ensuring safety and compliance. Let’s explore why it’s essential:
- Smoke Control and Fire Safety: In the event of a fire, smoke is a significant contributor to deaths and injuries, often surpassing the impact of the fire itself
- More than 60% of deaths occur due to smoke inhalation, emphasising the importance of controlling smoke
- Smoke control systems protect escape routes and assist firefighters, reducing fatalities and injuries.
Smoke Shaft Functionality:
- Smoke shafts play a crucial role in evacuating smoke from buildings during a fire
- To function effectively, smoke shafts must be airtightto allow mechanical Automatic Opening Ventilation (AOV) systems to extract smoke from escape/access routes
- Air testing confirms the shaft’s airtightness before AOV commissioning to allow the smoke shaft to be signed off by the builder.
Building Regulations and Standards for air testing Smoke Shafts
AOV Smoke shafts are subject to an ever-evolving network of standards and legislation in the UK. For residential buildings, BS 9991:2015 provides updated fire safety guidance, including recommendations for smoke control.
Air Testing Process for Smoke Shafts:
Air tightness testing of smoke shafts involves a positive pressurisation test using a high-powered blower door fan. The test occurs when the shaft is fully sealed but before AOV fans and louvres/shutters are installed.
If the shaft fails to achieve the airtightness target, a smoke leakage test is conducted. During the smoke test, theatrical smoke is pushed into the shaft, revealing any gaps or cracks in the smoke shaft envelope. on large smoke shafts over multiple floors, its best that multiple observers are used to check the floors whilst the air test engineer operates the blower fan equipment.
In summary, air testing ensures smoke shafts meet safety standards, protect lives, and enhance fire safety.
We can help you pass your smoke shaft air test
We have been undertaking AOV smoke shaft testing throughout London and the South-East, on many prestigious projects such as Battersea Power Station, The Imperial War Museum and Clarridges and Berkeley Hotel.
Our experienced engineers at Air Pressure Testing have over 10 years in the field of smoke shaft testing, so we know how to help clients to pass their testing and achieve smoke shaft sign-off.
What can we do?
- Smoke shaft survey visits
- A UKAS and ATTMA Level 2 testing company
- Smoke shaft air test certification
- The latest high-powered fan equipment
- UKAS calibrated equipment
- Smoke testing in the event of an air test failure
- Thermal Imaging in the event of an air test failure
- Same day quotation
- Experienced test engineers
- Thousands of air pressure tests undertaken
- Fantastic customer satisfaction score
Air Pressure Testing Ltd boasts a client base from one of self-builders to the largest construction companies in the UK. We offering leading design, consultancy and compliance for every part of your project, at all stages. It’s APT’s aim to provide a friendly and professional stress-free experience.
About Darren Helliwell
Darren Helliwell
Director | APT Sound Testing | Smoke Shaft Air Tightness Testing Specialist
Darren Helliwell is a Director of APT Sound Testing, one of the UK’s leading independent building compliance testing consultancies. With extensive experience in air tightness testing, acoustic testing, ventilation testing and indoor environmental quality assessments, Darren has helped contractors, developers and specialist smoke ventilation companies achieve compliance on projects throughout the UK.
Darren has been involved in the testing of smoke control systems and smoke shafts across a wide range of residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Working alongside principal contractors, fire engineers and smoke ventilation specialists, he provides practical guidance and reliable testing services to verify smoke shaft air leakage performance in accordance with project specifications and industry standards.
APT Sound Testing operates using UKAS calibrated equipment and industry-recognised testing methodologies, delivering accurate and dependable results that support Building Regulations compliance and fire safety requirements. Darren’s hands-on approach, technical knowledge and commitment to customer service have made APT a trusted partner for many of the UK’s leading construction companies.
Whether your project involves a single smoke shaft, multiple cores within a high-rise development or complex smoke control systems, Darren and the APT team can provide fast turnaround times, expert technical support and comprehensive reporting.
Contact Us for Smoke Shaft Air Tightness Testing
Need Smoke Shaft Air Leakage Testing?
APT Sound Testing provides professional Smoke Shaft Air Tightness Testing services across the UK for contractors, developers, fire engineers and building owners. Our experienced engineers can undertake testing on completed smoke shafts to verify air leakage rates and demonstrate compliance with project-specific performance criteria.
✅ Nationwide Coverage
✅ UKAS Calibrated Equipment
✅ Fast Report Turnaround
✅ Experienced Test Engineers
✅ Residential, Commercial & High-Rise Projects
✅ Technical Support Throughout Your Project
Whether you require testing for a new build development, remediation works or final compliance sign-off, our team is ready to help.
Speak to Darren Helliwell Today
APT Sound Testing
📞 01525 303905
🌐 https://aptsoundtesting.co.uk
📧 enquiries@aptsoundtesting.co.uk
Request a quotation today and ensure your smoke shaft air leakage testing is completed accurately, efficiently and in line with project requirements.
Trusted Smoke Shaft Testing Specialists
APT Sound Testing has built a reputation for delivering reliable smoke shaft testing services, helping clients achieve compliance while avoiding costly delays on site. We work closely with project teams to provide practical solutions, clear reporting and responsive technical support from inquiry through to certification.
Contact APT Sound Testing today to discuss your smoke shaft air testing requirements and receive a competitive quotation.