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Smoke is often more dangerous than fire itself. In blocks of flats and high-rise residential buildings it can quickly fill common corridors and staircases, blocking escape routes and making conditions untenable for residents and firefighters.
Smoke control systems are designed to keep escape routes clear of smoke for as long as possible. This guide explains when they are required, the main types used in UK residential buildings, and how they should be maintained.
Most purpose-built blocks of flats are designed with a stay-put strategy. Residents in the flat of origin evacuate, while others can remain in their flats unless directed otherwise. For this strategy to work safely, smoke must be kept out of the common corridors and the protected staircases.
Without effective smoke control:
Smoke control is therefore a critical life-safety measure, not an optional extra.
There is no single height or size that automatically triggers a smoke control system in every case. Requirements come from a combination of:
Typical situations where smoke control is expected:
In existing buildings the Fire Risk Assessment should confirm whether the current smoke control arrangements (or lack of them) are still suitable and sufficient.
The correct type depends on building height, layout, travel distances and the overall fire strategy. A competent designer or fire engineer should specify the system; a competent Fire Risk Assessor should verify that what is installed remains appropriate for the building as it is used.
A smoke control system only works if it is maintained. Failure to keep systems in working order is a common enforcement issue.
Recommended / expected regime (based on industry guidance and standards):
| Frequency | Typical Checks | Who Usually Carries It Out |
|---|---|---|
| Daily / Weekly | Visual panel check, functional test of zones (rotation) | Building staff / nominated person |
| Monthly | Deeper functional checks, power supplies, indicators | Competent person |
| 3-monthly | Full coverage of all zones | Competent person |
| 6-monthly / Annual | Specialist inspection, airflow checks, servicing | Specialist contractor |
Important points for high-rise residential buildings (England):
Maintenance should only be carried out by people with specialist knowledge of smoke control systems and access to the correct information and spare parts.
Under the Fire Safety Order the Responsible Person must:
In higher-risk residential buildings additional duties under the Building Safety Act may also apply.
At Fire Safety Risk Assessment we examine smoke control arrangements as part of every Fire Risk Assessment for blocks of flats and high-rise residential buildings. We check whether the system is appropriate, whether testing and maintenance records are adequate, and whether any improvements are needed to keep escape routes tenable.
We provide clear, prioritised recommendations so landlords and managing agents know exactly what action is required.
Related reading on our site:
Smoke control systems protect the common escape routes that residents rely on. Whether your building uses natural AOVs, a mechanical extract system or pressurisation, the system must be correctly designed, properly maintained and regularly tested.
If you are unsure whether the smoke control in your block of flats or high-rise building is adequate, or if records of testing and maintenance are incomplete, a professional Fire Risk Assessment is the best way to identify any gaps.
Need a Fire Risk Assessment that properly covers smoke control systems?
Contact Fire Safety Risk Assessment today for clear, practical and compliant advice.
Trusted Fire Risk Assessment specialists serving Birmingham, Manchester, West Midlands, Warrington, and across the UK. FSRA provides fully compliant Fire Risk Assessments, Asbestos Surveys, and Legionella Risk Assessments to help businesses and landlords protect people, property, and meet legal obligations.