Mechanical smoke extraction
More than a legal requirement, mechanical smoke extraction is an essential device for limiting the number of victims caused by smoke and toxic gases and facilitating emergency response in the event of a fire.
Mechanical smoke extraction,
the essential expertise you need to save lives
in the event of fire
Smoke, responsible for 80% of deaths
Contrary to popular belief, fire is not the main danger in a fire. Smoke causes the most damage through a number of factors:
- The decrease in oxygen in the air,
- lung tissue burns,
- the spread of toxic and corrosive gases,
- lack of visibility.
In this context, the role of smoke extraction is to limit the risks by evacuating smoke and hot gases as quickly as possible.
…
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Limits the spread of fire | Makes the air more breathable | Enhances visibility and emergency response |
* Mechanical smoke extraction provides three-stage protection for people in burnt-out premises.
How does smoke
ventilation work?
Smoke extraction is one of the many procedures integrated into the fire safety system (FSS). It is activated as soon as the alarm is triggered, signalling the presence of a fire or smoke.
Its role is to extract smoke and toxic gases from the upper part of the building and to blow fresh air into the building by means of mechanical and/or natural scanning.
There are four different types of smoke extraction spaces:
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- Large volumes and medium-sized premises,
- Horizontal circulation on the same floor,
- Stairwells,
- High-rise buildings
.
A smoke extraction project? Découvrez les solutions de DMF
Contact usMechanical smoke extraction, a safe system for all types of infrastructure
Mechanical sweeping is ensured by the installation of electric fans that guarantee the evacuation of smoke in all circumstances. By measuring flow rates, this system can also be used to ensure that it is correctly sized and functioning properly.
It is suitable for all types of building. However, installing it requires several work teams to be involved (masonry, electricity, carpentry, etc.).
What is the difference between mechanical and natural smoke extraction?
Natural sweeping is based on the physical phenomenon of convection. The hot fumes escape by themselves at the top through the hot fume extraction devices (HFED). This evacuation may be disrupted by weather conditions.
Mechanical smoke ventilation within your FSS
What happens from the moment the first smoke is detected until the emergency services arrive? Find out about the different stages involved in activating the fire safety system (FSS) in the event of a fire, including mechanical smoke extraction.
When is smoke extraction compulsory?
Regulatory texts
Smoke extraction is mandatory under a number of regulations:
- The Building Code –
- The Order of 25 June 1980 for public buildings –
- The Labour Code –
- The Environment Code –
- Insurance through the rules APSAD R17
- Circular decrees
- Decrees
The obligation also depends on three other criteria:
-
- The surface area of the premises (more than 300 m² above ground or 100 m² underground)
- The number of disabled people accommodated
.
-
- The existence of sleeping accommodation
.
Types of establishment concerned
The establishments or buildings regularly concerned are:
- Public buildings
- High-rise buildings
- Dwelling buildings
- Commercial and industrial premises
- Storage facilities
- Installations classified for environmental protection (ICPE)
.
Maintenance, an imperative for the efficiency of your system
Smoke extraction systems must be serviced once a year. The latter is governed by the Construction Code and, more specifically, by the Order of 25 June 1980 (article MS68 and article MS73).
Checks must comply with the procedures set out in standard NFS 61-933 (published in 2011), including appendices G and H.
To make sure that your device is fully operational, don’t hesitate to ask your maintainer for a full report of its inspection.
4 steps to installing your smoke extraction system
Because each establishment is unique in terms of its configuration and operation, the procedure for installing a smoke extraction system involves several stages, from studying the dossier to maintaining the installations.
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Audit
Analysis of existing building and/or construction plans. Taking into account the operation of the building or premises.
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Studies
Design and implementation studies, including drawings, block diagrams and calculation notes. Takes account of applicable NFS standards, technical instructions, APSAD rules and texts specifically applicable to the use of buildings or premises.
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Completion
Completion of the work and commissioning of the system. Supervision and coordination of all trades.
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Maintenance
Annual inspection of the entire system in accordance with standard NFS 61-933.
DMF, your DEF Network expert in mechanical smoke ventilation
For more than 10 years, DMF has been working with you throughout the national network to install your smoke extraction equipment. Thanks to an in-depth study of your project beforehand, we can offer you an innovative system that is tailored to your needs and complies with regulations.
We have developed specific software that enables our staff to carry out complete maintenance of your infrastructure, checking all the points of attention required by the standard. Once we have completed our work, we will provide you with a full, detailed report on all our operations.
To find out more about our expertise in other countries, click here. |
