Understanding the Critical Importance of Smoke Control in Fire Safety
When it comes to fires, it's not just the flames you have to worry about—it's the smoke that often poses the biggest danger. In fact, more fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation than burns. Sometimes, smoke can overcome people so quickly that they can't even make it to an exit. Smoke control systems have been required in buildings for decades. As these are life-safety systems, they need to be properly designed, commissioned and maintained.
Periodic Testing of Smoke Control Systems
Jensen Hughes has contributed to thousands of projects focused on designing and commissioning smoke control systems within buildings. However, there has been limited emphasis on enforcing the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of these systems. As a result, some systems have not been properly tested since their initial commissioning.
Over the lifespan of a building, critical records and design documentation may be lost. Smoke control systems can also become impaired due to updates or projects within the building, often carried out without understanding their impact on these systems. Although ITM is required by the Fire Code and NFPA 92 (Standard for Smoke Control Systems), historically, only a few jurisdictions have proactively enforced regular testing.
Growing Focus on Smoke Control System Testing and Maintenance
Recently, some jurisdictions have introduced policies or improved enforcement of ITM for smoke control systems. The adoption of NFPA 4, which mandates integrative testing for new and existing buildings, has further increased awareness of the need for regular testing. Jurisdictions implementing these measures include, but are not limited to:
- San Diego, CA + County of San Diego
- Phoenix, AZ
- Las Vegas, NV
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA Metro Region
- Bellevue, WA
Building Changes
What Changes to Buildings Affect Smoke Control Systems?
Any alteration to an existing building can affect some portion of a smoke control system. These alterations could include replacements or modifications to building systems such as fire alarm and/or mechanical systems, as well as more complex renovation and tenant improvement projects. Proper testing documentation before and after any renovation can help determine project scope and responsibility, which mitigates potential risks to budgets and timelines.
Identification Tips
Does My Building Have a Smoke Control System?
Common smoke control systems include:
- Stair pressurization (required in high-rise buildings)
- Elevator hoistway pressurization
- Exhaust or pressurization of a floor
- Atrium exhaust and supply
Smoke control systems can be visibly identified by:
- Graphic firefighter's smoke control panel
- Labels on the fire alarm system control panel
- Placards on fans and dampers
- Review of building construction documents
- Supply or exhaust fans within stairs or atriums
- Fire Command Center
Why Choose Jensen Hughes for Smoke Control?
Working with building owners, contractors and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), we test smoke control systems in various applications to verify the performance of our smoke control system designs, commission existing systems and perform third-party special inspections. Our services also help owners and building engineers determine if smoke control system testing and maintenance is being performed in compliance with the codes. Our services can start from when the building's design is conceptual through the life of the building and anywhere in between.
- Assist the design team with the preparation of the required rational analysis report and design for a smoke control system.
- Evaluate the existing smoke control system to determine the performance requirements, identify any deficiencies, and provide recommendations.
- Act as the smoke control inspector required by the local AHJ.
- Prepare a smoke control basis of design for existing systems.
- Prepare a test plan for both commissioning and periodic testing.
- Coordinate the required subcontractors necessary to perform an annual inspection, test the installed system to determine its operating condition, and provide recommendations if discrepancies are discovered.
- Review any proposed tenant improvements to the building and provide a tenant improvement impact smoke control letter.
How Jensen Hughes Can Help You
At Jensen Hughes, safety comes first. We can help verify that your smoke control systems are up to code and fully functional. In addition to smoke control design, our services include: tenant improvement evaluations, 3rd party testing and commissioning, periodic smoke control testing, evaluations of existing smoke control systems, and preparation of test plans and basis of design reports. Our thorough inspections identify issues early, prioritizing your safety and that of your tenants.
Connect With Our Experts
MS, Fire Protection Engineering, BS, Civil Engineering, PE: CA, MN, TN, Design-Build Professional®, Project Manager Professional (PMP)