PSB Smoke Control Systems
Car Park Below ground
Car Park Above ground
Control systems & panel supply
Our
Capabilities
Life Safety Through Engineered Excellence
WITT UK Group, through our PSB UK Ltd division, delivers comprehensive smoke control systems protecting lives in Britain’s most complex buildings. With over 60 years of combined expertise, we’ve engineered smoke management solutions for shopping centres, hospitals, residential towers, underground car parks, and prestigious commercial developments across the UK and Europe. Our systems ensure compliance with Approved Document B, EN 12101, BS 7346, BS 9999, and BS 9991, whilst meeting the stringent requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. From natural ventilation utilising automated opening vents (AOVs) to powered extraction systems capable of maintaining tenable conditions during fire emergencies, we provide complete solutions that satisfy Building Control, Fire Service requirements, and insurance standards whilst optimising construction costs.
Bespoke Design for Complex Challenges
Every building presents unique smoke control challenges, particularly modern architectural designs featuring atria, interconnected spaces, and open-plan layouts. Our engineering team specialises in developing tailored solutions addressing specific fire scenarios whilst maintaining architectural vision. We utilise advanced CFD modelling to predict smoke movement, design systems maintaining clear escape routes, and demonstrate compliance to approving authorities. Our expertise spans multiple design approaches including compartmentation strategies, smoke reservoirs with natural or mechanical extraction, pressure differential systems preventing smoke spread, and combined systems integrating with sprinklers and detection. Whether designing for a multi-storey atrium requiring complex smoke modelling or retrofitting systems in heritage buildings with minimal visual impact, we deliver solutions that protect occupants whilst meeting aesthetic and budgetary requirements.
- Full compliance with Approved Document B and Regulatory Reform Order 2005
- CFD modelling for smoke movement prediction and system validation
- Natural, mechanical, and hybrid ventilation solutions
- Atria and complex space smoke management expertise
- Integration with fire detection, sprinklers, and building management systems
- Witnessed testing and commissioning to British Standards
Why Choose
Smoke Control Systems
REGULATORY EXPERTISE
Complete compliance with UK Building Regulations, British Standards, and Fire Service requirements.
PROVEN
SAFETY
500+ installations protecting lives in shopping centres, hospitals, and residential buildings nationwide.
TURNKEY DELIVERY
From initial fire strategy through design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What regulations govern smoke control systems in the UK?
UK smoke control systems must comply with multiple regulations and standards. Building Regulations Approved Document B provides the fundamental fire safety requirements, whilst EN 12101 covers smoke and heat control systems specifications. BS 7346 addresses components for smoke control, BS 9999 provides the code of practice for fire safety in building design, and BS 9991 covers fire safety in residential buildings. Post-construction, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires ongoing compliance, regular testing, and maintenance. We ensure systems meet all applicable standards whilst coordinating with Building Control and Fire Service authorities.
How do smoke control systems work in atria?
Atria present unique challenges as smoke can spread rapidly through multiple floors without proper control. Our atria systems typically employ smoke reservoirs at high level, using either natural buoyancy or mechanical extraction to remove smoke whilst maintaining clear layers below. Key design elements include: calculating smoke production rates based on fire size, determining reservoir depth for smoke containment, sizing extraction systems for required smoke clearance rates, and providing replacement air without disturbing smoke layers. CFD modelling validates designs ensuring tenable conditions are maintained at all escape levels during evacuation.
What's the difference between natural and mechanical smoke ventilation?
Natural ventilation uses smoke’s buoyancy and external wind effects to exhaust through automated opening vents (AOVs), providing a passive, reliable solution with lower operational costs. However, it requires adequate vent areas and may be affected by adverse weather. Mechanical systems use powered fans providing consistent, controllable extraction regardless of external conditions, suitable for deep basements, long corridors, or where natural ventilation is insufficient. Hybrid systems combine both approaches, using natural ventilation where possible with mechanical backup for adverse conditions or enhanced performance.
How are car park ventilation systems designed?
Car park smoke control must address both daily pollution ventilation and emergency smoke clearance. Modern systems typically use impulse or jet fans providing longitudinal airflow, eliminating extensive ductwork whilst ensuring effective smoke control. Design considerations include: CO/NOx monitoring for daily ventilation control, smoke detection triggering emergency mode, clearance of 10 air changes per hour for smoke extraction, maintaining visibility for Fire Service access, and integration with sprinkler systems where installed. We’ve designed over 200 car park systems, from single-level retail parks to multi-storey complexes.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment and how does it affect smoke control?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons must conduct Fire Risk Assessments for all non-domestic premises. This assessment evaluates: potential fire sources and risks, persons especially at risk, adequacy of fire safety measures including smoke control, emergency escape provisions, and Fire Service access requirements. The assessment directly influences smoke control requirements, potentially identifying needs for system upgrades or modifications. We assist clients in addressing smoke control aspects of Fire Risk Assessments, ensuring systems support safe evacuation strategies.
How are smoke control systems tested and maintained?
Smoke control systems require regular testing to ensure reliability during emergencies. Weekly tests check basic operation, monthly tests verify all components, and annual tests include full functional testing with witnessed demonstrations where required. Testing encompasses: AOV operation and opening distances, fan run-up times and performance, control system logic and interfaces, backup power systems, and integration with fire alarms. We provide comprehensive maintenance packages ensuring compliance with BS 9999 requirements, including detailed logbooks documenting all testing and maintenance activities essential for regulatory compliance.