THINGS TO CONSIDER
SAFETY STANDARDS
Here at WT International we understand that you might not feel 100% confident in tackling the correct maintenance procedures yourself. You are more than welcome to get in touch with us regarding any questions, or to arrange an inspection or quote. We know exactly what to look for and what’s necessary to keep your fire and smoke ventilation system in good working condition and also 100% compliant.
BS 7346-8 recommends that your system gets a maintenance check twice a year by qualified engineers.
At the end of the day, should disaster strike, it’s not good enough to simply blame the supplier or contractor in the event of a system malfunction. You should receive a certificate confirming all inspections or work that is done. Always make sure your building is compliant and that all your paperwork is in order.
SCHEDULE AHEAD TO AVOID FAILURE
Planning ahead can save you a lot of headaches down the line. It insures that possible issues and defects can be detected and fixed before they become crucial.
Not only does it safeguard your system, but it also affords you peace of mind knowing that everything is checked and scheduled for the future.
Record Keeping is crucial
Whoever is responsible for the building needs to keep accurate records at all times. We’ve been in the industry for years so we know from experience that this is the area where most people slip up, even if you have the best if intentions.
Record keeping is necessary for a few reasons, one of the most important reasons being insurance coverage. In the event of a fire, investigators may very well request to see your maintenance records. In fact, it’s almost inevitable that your insurance company will need these, and this can make an already stressful situation far worse if you don’t have the records in place and available.
Keeping your fire and smoke ventilation systems in premium condition, is your BEST protection against potential loss!
WHAT SANS 10400: PART T – FIRE PROTECTION SAYS:
The legislation is concerned simply with the need for all buildings to be designed, constructed and equipped so that in the event of fire:
- the occupants or people using the building will be protected – including persons with disabilities;
- the spread and intensity of any fire within buildings, and the spread of fire to any other buildings, will be minimized;
- sufficient stability will be retained to ensure that such building will not endanger any other building: provided that in the case of any multi-storey building no major failure of the structural system shall occur;
- the generation and spread of smoke will be minimized or controlled to the greatest extent reasonably practicable; and
- adequate means of access, and equipment for detecting, fighting, controlling and extinguishing such fire, is provided.
BS9999 2008 clause V.6.1 details the requirement for maintenance of smoke ventilation systems
:
Annually: Test fire alarm at call points. Check LED indicators to make sure standby batteries are in good condition. Activation of override switches to ensure all equipment is operating correctly. Simulate failure of normal power supply and activate system to ensure standby equipment working correctly. After restarting normal supply, test charging of system starting battery functioning correctly. Test operation of failsafe mechanisms either by ‘breaking-out’ the door set or by simulating failure of mains power supply as appropriate.
All zones must be separately tested to ensure all fans and powered exhaust systems operate correctly. Extract systems require checks and operation zone by zone and shaft systems one floor at a time. Using a maintenance checklist, check all actuators for integrity and correct operation. Check roof vents and hinges. The manual override must be checked in alarm conditions together with any additional moving parts of the installation to ensure operating effectively.
For powered extract systems, take flow readings on extract points and check against design data. Additionally, a full functional test is to be carried out to ensure all mechanisms are operating correctly and determine whether smoke detection occurs at the appropriate design density. All CO emissions must be tested and zeroed. Calibration kit must be used with zero gas and 50ppm gas. Tests to be carried out by competent person(s) (a competent person is defined as a person who is properly or sufficiently qualified and capable). Certificates of testing must be obtained.
INSURANCE WORDING Example:
“It is a condition precedent to liability under this policy that YOU comply with the National Building Regulations and building standards act as amended or substituted from time to time, or with any similar applicable legislation, and the regulations thereto as well as any other regulations or provisions in any by-law with regard to the installation, maintenance and servicing of all fire protection and fire fighting equipment”
Please DO NOT DO THIS:
This is illegal and very dangerous. These ventilators will not open in the event of a fire and can not only cost innocent lives but also rack up huge bills. Simple maintenance can avoid these terrible situations, and the best of all is that WT International is here to take care of that for you. Give us a call or drop a message below.
Get in touch
If you are in charge of the maintenance and servicing of a smoke and fire ventilation system in your building, be sure to get in touch with WT International today!