AOV Smoke Vent Services

AOV Smoke Vent Services

Case Study

Elevate Your Building’s Safety with Advanced AOV Smoke Ventilation Systems

At Global Building Environments (GBE), we specialise in the design, installation, and maintenance of Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) smoke ventilation systems. Crucial for the safety of occupants and the protection of property, our AOV solutions provide vital smoke and heat extraction, ensuring clear escape routes and aiding firefighting efforts in the event of a fire.

As part of the wider Global HSE Group, you can rely on our extensive experience and expertise for projects of any size. Our team of fire and technical consultants and designers operate nationwide and is dedicated to crafting and installing the most effective and compliant solutions for your building’s needs.

AOV Smoke Ventilation System Process

What is a AOV Smoke Ventilation System?

The purpose of a smoke ventilation system is to control the movement of smoke and combustion gases in the event of a fire, and to discard them in a safe location. They are designed to protect the people inside buildings and ensure that firefighting personnel can access the premises to control and extinguish the fire.

The most common case of fire-related fatalities (where the cause of death was known) was “overcome by gas or smoke”, given in 32 per cent* of fire-related fatalities, and so implementing a smoke ventilation system can dramatically improve the visibility and air quality of escape routes, and therefore increase the chance of survival.

Smoke AOVs are a critical life safety system and are designed to open automatically when fire is detected. Any smoke control systems must be installed and maintained by a competent person with expert knowledge to ensure they operate at optimum performance, should this be necessary.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “Responsible Person” for any building must ensure all fire safety systems, including AOVs, are adequately maintained and in good working order.

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What type of smoke control do I need?

Natural

Natural smoke vent systems rely on the natural properties of smoke to carry it out of the building.

Pressurisation

A type of Pressure Differential System, these are designed to maintain higher air pressure within the escape route.

Mechanical

Mechanical systems rely on fan sets to remove smoke. They are also known as MSVS (Mechanical Smoke Ventilation System) or smoke extract systems.

Car Park

Mechanical, natural or hybrid, these provide smoke and environmental ventilation to clear smoke from enclosed or underground car parks.

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Working with GBE

What sets us apart is our capability to guide clients through the complex landscape of building safety regulations, particularly those mandated for high-risk buildings following the 2021 regulatory changes.

1) Holistic Approach

We provide a holistic approach to smoke vent control, covering every stage from initial design to ongoing maintenance. This ensures a seamless experience, as there is no need to coordinate with multiple vendors or service providers.

2) Expertise in Regulatory Compliance

Our team possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in navigating building safety regulations, particularly those related to high-risk buildings. We stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes and ensure that our solutions are fully compliant with these requirements.

3) Guidance Through Regulatory Processes

We understand that navigating regulatory processes can be a daunting task. So, we offer personalised guidance and support to our clients, helping them understand the regulatory landscape and ensuring that their smoke vent control systems meet all necessary compliance standards.

4) Peace of Mind

Our clients know that their smoke vent control systems not only meet regulatory requirements but are also designed and installed to the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our end-to-end solution streamlines the process, saving time, effort, and potential headaches associated with compliance and maintenance.

5) Minimised Risk and Liability

Our comprehensive approach to smoke vent control, coupled with our expertise in regulatory compliance, helps minimise the risk and liability for our clients. We take proactive steps to ensure that their buildings are safe and compliant, reducing the likelihood of fines, penalties, or legal issues arising from non-compliance.

Sam Travis-Cavell	Head of Building Environments	Contact
Keith Plowman	Technical Consultant	Contact
Srinivas Sarath Thagapillai	Graduate Building Services and Sustainability Engineer	Contact

With a decade of experience in the construction industry and a diverse background including roles as an MEP Design Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Contractor, Sole-trader, and Business Owner, Sam has developed a passion for sustainable design, responsive customer service, and believes that a collaborative teamwork approach produces the best solutions.

Keith served 18 years in the RAF Fire & Rescue Service both in the UK and abroad, working his way up to Watch Manager and Training Manager. During this time, he completed an engineering degree and joined Global in 2023, excelling with his innovative approach to problem solving, building safety and compliance, and utilising new technology.

Sustainability-focused Professional with a Master’s in Low Energy Building Services Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Architecture. Committed to delivering sustainable, high-performance buildings that align with environmental goals and client needs.

AOV Smoke Vent Services Enquiry

Smoke AOVs are a critical life safety system and are designed to open automatically when fire is detected in a building. Any smoke control systems must be installed and maintained by a competent person with expert knowledge to ensure they operate at optimum performance, should this be necessary. Enquire today with GBE to see how we can support you with your AOV Smoke Ventilation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what stage can I install a AOV smoke system?

The installation of an AOV (Automatic Opening Vent) smoke system in a building is a multi-stage process that typically spans different phases of construction, with initial design and planning happening very early on, and the physical installation and commissioning occurring during the later stages.

Early Design & Fire Strategy Development (Pre-Construction / Planning Stage):

- Crucial First Step: The need for an AOV system, including its type, size, location, and integration with other fire safety measures (such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and smoke curtains), is determined during the initial development of the fire strategy.
- Fire Engineering Consultancy: For larger or more complex buildings, a fire engineering consultant will often be involved to assess the building’s specific risks and requirements, and then design a smoke control solution that meets all relevant UK Building Regulations (e.g., Approved Document B) and British Standards (e.g., BS EN 12101-2, BS 7346-8).
- Architectural Integration: The AOV system design must be integrated with the building’s architectural plans to ensure aesthetic considerations, structural integrity, and functionality are met. This includes identifying the locations of vents, control panels, and wiring.

Can I buy the AOV smoke system from GBE or do you just install and maintain?

At GBE, we provide a complete, integrated service for AOV smoke ventilation systems, rather than selling individual components directly.

Our expertise lies in delivering a complete lifecycle solution for your building’s smoke control needs. This includes:

Expert Design: Tailoring a compliant and effective AOV system specifically for your property.
Professional Installation: Sourcing and installing all necessary AOV units (such as roof vents, window actuators, control panels, and sensors) as part of a fully integrated system.
Ongoing Maintenance: Ensuring your system remains in perfect working order and compliant with all regulations through regular servicing.

Why do I need an AOV system in my building?

AOV systems are often a regulatory requirement, particularly in multi-storey residential buildings, commercial premises, or any building where maintaining safe evacuation routes is necessary. They are essential for:

Life Safety: Protecting occupants by keeping escape routes (corridors, stairwells) free from smoke and toxic gases.
Firefighter Access: Providing clearer visibility and safer conditions for the fire services to enter the building and tackle the fire.
Property Protection: Reducing heat build-up and preventing flashover, thereby limiting damage to the building structure and contents.
Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the requirements of Approved Document B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations and relevant British Standards such as BS 9991 and BS 9999.

What’s the difference between natural and mechanical AOV smoke ventilation?

Natural Smoke Ventilation: This system relies on the natural buoyancy of hot smoke. AOVs at high levels allow smoke to rise and escape, drawing in fresh air from lower levels to replace it. This is often suitable for smaller, simpler buildings or specific areas, such as stair cores.
Mechanical Smoke Ventilation: Uses powered fans to extract smoke from the building. This is typically used in larger, more complex structures, basements, or areas where natural airflow is insufficient to achieve the required smoke clearance. Mechanical systems often incorporate smoke shafts and can offer more precise control over smoke movement.

What British Standards apply to AOV Smoke Ventilation Systems?

- BS EN 12101 (various parts): This is the harmonised European standard for smoke and heat control systems, covering components like smoke barriers, smoke ventilators (AOVs), power supplies, and control equipment.
- BS 9991:2015: Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings.
- BS 9999:2017: Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings (non-residential).
- BS 7346-8:2013: Components for smoke and heat control systems. Code of practice for the planning, design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems.

Who is responsible for maintaining AOV systems in a building?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), the ‘Responsible Person’ for the premises is legally obliged to ensure that all fire safety systems, including AOVs, are correctly maintained and remain in good working order. This often falls to the building owner, landlord, facilities manager, or any other person with control over the premises.

Can you install AOV systems in existing buildings?

Yes, we regularly design and install AOV systems in existing buildings, including those undergoing refurbishment or needing to meet updated fire safety regulations. We conduct a thorough assessment of the existing structure and integrate the new system to comply with current standards while minimising disruption.