The importance of Automatic Opening Ventilation (AOV) in high-rise developments one of the most important parts of the building fire safety strategy. It’s important that smoke shafts are sufficiently airtight so that they can transport clean air and extract smoke effectively – this is why smoke shaft testing is so important!. This helps to save lives by greatly reducing the risk of smoke inhalation in the case of a fire. Smoke shaft testing of high-rise buildings is generally required to ensure that it meets national air permeability standards.
Testing to the Latest Smoke Shaft Requirements
APT Sound Testing’s team of ATTMA Level 2 engineers uses UKAS calibrated equipment, and all tests are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the latest standards, such as ATTMA TSL Issue 1, CIBSE T23:2022, BS EN 13829 and BS EN 12101-2:2017. Our engineer will begin the test by fitting a high-powered blower door fan into an opening of the shaft, usually on the mid floor. The top and bottom of the shaft are temporarily sealed along with other intended openings like extract points and ventilation grilles.
Finding Leaks in Smoke Shafts
Our air test compliance engineer will then run a test to establish the shaft’s air pressure permeability. Most shafts are designed to have air leakage rates below 3.8m3 /hr/m2 at 50 Pa. In the event that the AOV does not meet the required levels of air permeability, our air test engineer will use a high-powered smoke generator to try and determine specific problem areas from within the shaft, whilst its under pressurisation, the escaping smoke helps to identify leakage points that aren’t necessarily visible. We can also identify air leakage using our high-resolution thermal imaging cameras, where escaping smoke may be an issue.
Smoke Shaft Air Leakage Checklist
Before smoke shaft testing can take place, construction to the shaft must be complete. There are a few other requirements with which to adhere in order for testing to comply with Building Regulations and our smoke shaft checklist.
- No temporary seals to the shaft envelope (temporary seals are only allowed for dampers, fans and linking ductwork).
- Fire-stopping/ penetrations completed to the whole shaft.
- No works/operatives in shaft at the time of testing.
- Shaft to be free of debris/materials.
- 240V power available.
- Small blow heaters for the smoke shaft.
If smoke shaft testing is required on your development, book your appointment with Darren our smoke shaft expert, on 07777 5623464 or drop us an email at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk