Ventilation carries out a leading role when controlling the spread and intensity of a fire. If a building does not have a smoke ventilation system, fire fighters needs to asses the fire to determine what the most efficient approach is when creating ventilation points.
Proper smoke ventilation can have a enormous impact on a firefighters ability to do his or her job. Frequently building materials can cause dangerous fumes and noxious smoke that can confuse and overwhelm even the most hardened of fire fighters. Proper ventilation is, therefore, a key in maximizing visibility and extracting heat. A strategically placed vent will extract smoke away from fire fighters and drastically increase their ability to move, think, and save lives.
Another point that firefighters need to consider in the assessment of a fire ventilation situation is over ventilation. This can also become a problem because too much air flow will feed a fire, causing it to spread very easily while cutting off escape routes and exits.
Firefighters would have to use power tools and grinders to strategically cut venting ports into buildings on fire. This requires a massive skill set as a firefighter has to operate dangerous and heavy machinery while on a potentially unstable roof.
Ventilation experts can design a building and issue recommendations as to where strategic venting can be implemented, to maximize the control gained over the spreading fire. Ventilation, therefore, has to be planned and be included in the design of all buildings, keeping in mind that proper ventilation can save the lives of occupants and greatly increase the mobility of fire fighters.
Contact Curvent International's team of experts for a smoke extraction system design and installation on 011 826 5959.