Smoke Ventilation

Smoke Ventilation: Getting the Specification Right from the Start

Building Products Index Ltd March 23, 2026 Smoke Control, Smoke Ventilation Leave a Comment

Nobody wants to consider the possibility of a fire in a completed building, but informed design decisions can significantly reduce the risks if the worst happens. In many fire scenarios, it is smoke – often spreading more quickly than flames themselves – that presents the greatest danger, filling spaces, obscuring escape routes and disorientating occupants.

Fire burns. Smoke kills.

Most fire-related fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation, often long before flames reach occupied spaces. Modern construction materials can intensify this risk by producing dense, toxic fumes. Controlling the movement of smoke is therefore a fundamental part of any fire safety strategy, particularly in buildings with shared escape routes, protected stairways or more complex layouts.

Use smoke ventilation to protect escape routes.

Smoke ventilation systems allow heat and smoke to escape at high level, helping to maintain a clearer layer of air beneath. This improves visibility in stairways, corridors and other escape routes, supports evacuation and assists fire-fighting operations. In commercial developments, multi-occupancy residential buildings and mixed-use schemes, effective smoke control can play a vital role in protecting life and supporting compliance.

A specification issue, not an afterthought.

Smoke ventilation may not be required in every project, but where it is needed, it should always be addressed early. Guidance within Approved Document B, alongside standards such as BS 9991 and BS 9999, can influence the need for smoke ventilation depending on factors such as building height, compartmentation, travel distances, protected stairways and occupancy type. Considering these requirements at the outset helps design teams avoid costly revisions and achieve better coordination across the wider fire strategy.

Let the system respond automatically.

Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) are widely used as part of smoke control strategies in both residential and commercial buildings. Connected to the fire detection system, an AOV opens automatically when smoke is detected, allowing heat and smoke to escape without relying on manual intervention. This is particularly important in larger buildings, unfamiliar environments and areas with higher occupant loads.

Specify systems that meet recognised standards.

Any smoke ventilation system should be fully tested and certified for its intended application. AOVs should be CE marked and tested to BS EN 12101-2, demonstrating suitability for smoke control and alignment with relevant Building Regulations guidance. For architects and developers, product performance, certification and integration with the overall fire strategy should all form part of the specification process.

Plan smoke ventilation at the design stage.

At Smoke Vents, we support architects and developers in specifying smoke ventilation early, helping to simplify compliance and deliver safer, more resilient buildings.

The sky is the limit with Bilco UK’s SKY Flatglass smoke vent

Building Products Index Ltd March 25, 2020 access covers, Rooflights, Smoke Ventilation Leave a Comment

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Bilco UK is supporting specifiers, architects, engineers and facilities managers in achieving the highest standards in safety, efficiency and aesthetics with the launch of its new SKY Flatglass smoke vent.

The innovative product, which can be installed on flat roofs across a wide range of commercial and residential building types, offers professionals a diverse ‘three in one’ solution, as it can be utilised as a smoke vent, roof access hatch and rooflight.

Suitable for installation on new build developments or retrofitted onto existing projects, the CE marked smoke vent can be wired into the Building Management System to provide a fully compliant solution that will automatically open in the event of a fire or smoke.

The SKY Flatglass is fully compliant with all relevant building regulations outlined in Approved Document B and is tested to BS EN 12101-2 to support professionals in achieving constant compliance in line with latest legislations.

Unlike many competitor products that use polycarbonate, the smoke vent features a single leaf flat glass sliding cover, offering a functional yet aesthetic approach to natural smoke ventilation, particularly for exposed areas where a hinged opening may not be suitable.

The streamlined flat glass enables the smoke vent to also be utilised as a rooflight, flooding interior spaces with natural light. When used in conjunction with a fixed ladder, it can also be utilised as a roof access hatch, opening to 180 for safe and secure access.

The latest range has been tested for impact resistance, meeting standard BS EN 1873: 2014 Class SB1200. This is achieved through its innovative construction, which features a top layer of toughened glass, spacer filled with 90% argon and a low-E laminated glass layer. This is combined with a lightweight external white powdered coated aluminium frame and internal frame of reinforced PVC.

Every element of the SKY Flatglass’ construction has been developed with thermal efficiency in mind. This includes a polyester upstand that is fully insulated for weathertightness and an inner layer of low-emissivity (Low-E) glass that reflects infrared and ultraviolet light from inside the building.

This prevents the light from escaping, without minimising the level of light that enters, controlling the high thermal performance of the product, while simultaneously maintaining an attractive design. An optional third layer of glass, which can also be solar control glass, can be specified upon request.

The standard size of the new SKY Flatglass smoke vent is 1000 mm x 1500 mm, which provides a 1m² clear vent area. Bilco UK is also able to offer this product in special sizes to meet individual specification requirements. This includes optional motors and upstands, which are available upon request by contacting its team of inhouse designers, engineers and technical estimators.

James Fisher, Managing Director of Bilco UK, which is part of the Access 360 division of ERA, said: “Our new SKY Flatglass sets the standard within the industry for safety, thermal performance and efficiency. It demonstrates our continued investment in product development, as part of our wider commitment to providing the highest quality smoke ventilation and access solutions to professionals serving and maintaining the built environment.

“We look forward to working with our clients over the coming months throughout the specification and delivery stages to introduce our new SKY Flatglass smoke vent and the wide range of benefits it has to offer.”

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

Bilco Bilco UK roof access hatch rooflight SKY Flatglass smoke vent

Take the smart approach to specifying smoke vents

Building Products Index Ltd February 29, 2020 Smoke Control, Smoke Ventilation Leave a Comment

View the Bilco UK entry on BPindex

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James Fisher, Managing Director of Bilco UK, Howe Green and Profab Access, shares three key areas specifiers and roofing contractors should focus on when specifying smoke vents.

Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEVs), more commonly known as smoke vents, provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Installed in the roof, they open by sensors or remote control in response to exhaust smoke and noxious fumes. Suitable for installation in a range of buildings, from educational spaces such as universities to commercial environments such as warehouses, the aim of a smoke vent is to make a dangerous situation safer for all individuals.

1) Understanding the seriousness of smoke

While many may presume that the biggest danger of a fire are the flames, smoke inhalation can be far more dangerous and life threatening. Statistics from the UK Fire & Rescue Services stated that the most common cause of fire deaths and injury between 2018 and 2019* was ‘being overcome by gas or smoke.’

As a fire develops inside a building, it burns the oxygen in the air, removing most of the available oxygen as part of ‘incomplete combustion’, which in turn produces toxic and potentially deadly carbon monoxide.

When a fire ignites in an enclosed space the smoke rising from the fire gets trapped by the ceiling. It then begins to spread, forming an expanding layer that leaks into any gaps in the floors or walls. This can lead to individuals becoming disorientated, with their vision becoming increasingly clouded, hindering safe evacuation.

The installation of smoke vents in appropriate locations around a building will protect occupants in the event of a fire by preventing the excessive build-up of smoke and noxious fumes. This subsequently reduces the risk of smoke inhalation, horizontal fire spread and secondary ignitions as the smoke is quickly exhausted, enabling fire-fighters to safely enter the building to tackle the blaze and building occupants to exit quickly.

2) Knowing your regulations

As a specifier or contractor, ensuring the right product is used in the correct context is paramount to not only ensuring it is fit for purpose, but is also compliant with relevant regulations and provides the highest levels of safety.

When specifying a smoke vent for a roof, it should be compliant with the Construction Products Regulation 305/2011, CE-marked with a Declaration of Conformity. It should also be manufactured to meet the demands of Building Regulations, Approved Document B, BS9999 and BS EN12101-2.

Choosing a smoke vent that meets all of these legislations will help to not only achieve compliance but ensure the operational reliability and performance of the smoke vent throughout its lifetime.

The control of the smoke vent should also be considered, whether this is in the form of a dedicated management system or a solution integrated into a wider networked fire alarm system.

3) Customising your specification

While the functionality and quality of the smoke vent will be the primary consideration, aesthetics can also be an important factor. Here a ‘one size fits all approach’ shouldn’t be applied, as specifiers and contractors have a wide range of elements to choose from to ensure the product is tailored to meet the project’s unique needs. Customisation may include elements such as hardware, paint finishes, curb liners, manual or automatic control units, open-close switches and rain and wind sensors.

While a NSHEV plays a pivotal role in fire protection by successfully exhausting smoke, they can also be utilised for comfort ventilation, removing the requirement for additional roof penetration. The vents also adopt the role of a skylight, allowing natural light to filter through into the space below.

By installing the smoke vent with the addition of a fixed vertical safety ladder, its can provide an adequate means of escape from the roof and offer access to contractors for infrequent maintenance.

When specifying smoke vents, it’s important to explore the individual requirements for each development and work closely with manufacturers at the specification stage to design a bespoke solution that is fit for purpose, whilst also ensuring compliance with all relevant legislations.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

*https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/831136/detailed-analysis-fires-attended-fire-rescue-england-1819-hosb1919.pdf

Bilco fixed vertical safety ladder Heat Exhaust Ventilators NSHEV Smoke Ventilation Smoke Vents

How Bilco’s Natural Smoke and Heat Ventilators are contributing to the overall safety of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) across the United Kingdom

Building Products Index Ltd April 25, 2018 Smoke Control, Smoke Ventilation Leave a Comment

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There is no doubt that the student population is growing. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) student numbers have almost doubled since 1992.

Despite the referendum result on Brexit, international students still see the UK’s higher education institutions as an attractive investment. A recent article in Housing Hand reports that university applications from Chinese students have almost doubled over the last decade. With the sterling – yuan exchange rate 8% lower than before the Brexit referendum this growth is expected to continue.

A Universities UK report, ‘Higher Education in Numbers’, states that in the academic year of 2015/2016 there were 2.28 million students studying in higher education in the UK including 1.75 million undergraduates.

Many of these undergraduates are living in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) for the duration of their first academic year whilst away from home. This type of accommodation provides excellent opportunities for students to live, work and rest within a space that is operated by staff who provide basic assistance, services and supervision to the building and their occupants.

With so many undergraduate students occupying PBSA the general risk profile is relatively high, particularly when it comes to fire safety.

Data provided by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) states that during the academic year of 2011/2012, 514 fires were recorded across student accommodation in Great Britain alone. 58% of these fires were said to be due to misuse of cooking appliances!

Research highlights those under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication as also having a higher risk profile. The National Union of Students (NUS) Research Services found that 66% of students they surveyed had cooked after midnight and 50% had done so under the influence of alcohol.

The research and statistics are sobering. They present a challenge for architects, specifiers and contractors. When it comes to ensuring a fire strategy that will provide a safe place for students and staff to live and work the emphasis has to be on incorporating trustworthy, operationally reliable, high quality products. Products that will meet the standards set out in the Building Regulations and the British Standards.

There are different ways in which a fire can start but it is a known fact that fire spread by convection is the most dangerous and causes the largest number of injuries and deaths. When a fire starts in an enclosed space the smoke rises from the fire and gets trapped by the ceiling. Once trapped the fire spreads in all directions over the entire room space.

Bilco’s range of Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEV) products are specifically designed to provide a solution that prevents the excessive build-up of these hot gasses. By exhausting smoke, Bilco’s NSHEVs reduce the risk to life from smoke inhalation, aid in visibility, provide a means of escape for occupants, protect the building from excessive smoke damage and provides valuable time for firefighters to tackle the blaze.

Bilco’s products have a proven track record and have been specified and installed in numerous student accommodation projects across the UK including developments in Hertfordshire and Edinburgh.

Ninety Bilco UDF-50 REM Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEV) were installed at the College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire. The standard size double leaf smoke vents were fitted by commercial roofing company T R Freeman.

In Scotland seven Bilco MUGEW-50REM single leaf smoke vents were installed on four blocks of Edinburgh’s prestigious student accommodation – Sugarhouse Close, located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Bilco also supplied OS2 control panels for the smoke vents. The control panels are dual purpose. The battery backup system ensures that in the event of a mains power loss, the vents will still open due. The control panel also allows the Fire Officer to manually override the smoke control system if necessary.

Bilco’s NSHEVs are available in standard and customised sizes and form part of an integrated approach to design, construction and fire safety. The range is fully compliant with the Construction Products Regulation 305/2011. Ventilators are supplied CE marked with a Declaration of Conformity and manufactured to meet the demands of Building Regulations, Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2, guaranteeing a high build quality and a product that is operationally reliable.

If you are designing, specifying or building student accommodation and require quality products, please get in touch by calling 01284 701696 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk for further information.

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