Mechanical Ventilation: This can be used, providing the basement is protected by a sprinkler system. All ductwork and dampers should be smoke rated. When a powered extract system is used, it is recommended that the smoke outlets be positioned similarly to that for a basement’s natural smoke and heat ventilation. In addition, consideration should also be given to pedestrians outside the building prior to the arrival of the fire service taking control of an incident. Therefore, if mechanical smoke outlets are to be exhausted at ground level, they should be positioned at a high level so that they would not affect any pedestrians or people escaping from the building.
Firefighters have some level of manual control over smoke control systems during an incident. These manual controls should be designed as preferred by emergency responders. When firefighters arrive, they can assess whether the automatic modes are functioning as intended. Incident commanders may then use the manual controls to select a different mode or turn any given zone off. It is imperative that these fire service controls override any other automatic or manual controls at any other location. Further information can be found in: • UK Approved document B (published in support of the Building Regulations) • OSHA guidance document “ Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems” Note that individual countries may specify their own particular requirements in this regard, in the form of standards or codes. Liaison with Fire Authority on Arrival In large and complex buildings, it is important that there are arrangements for the local fire and rescue service to familiarise themselves with the building, facilities for firefighting and the contents that may be present, such as the location of flammable and highly flammable materials and large amounts of combustible materials that may be stored. Some buildings may need pre-planning emergency procedures to be in place. A nominated and competent person should liaise with the fire service when they arrive on site and inform the fire authority of any additional hazards within the premises. The fire brigade should be informed of anything that may affect their access, such as roadworks or scaffolding that may affect the availability of water supplies.
©SHEilds – All rights reserved FC V 5 JUN 2021
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