Approved Document B (ADB) states that unprotected parts of a building's escape route should be limited to ensure that those inside do not have to travel excessive distances when exposed to the immediate danger of fire and smoke. Here, we look at the options that Be Safe Direct can provide to ensure compliance with ADB.
ADB defines protected areas as being designed to provide virtually fire sterile areas which lead to places of safety outside the building. To ensure that unprotected travel is limited, the Regulations state that flames, smoke and gases must be excluded from these escape routes by fire-resisting structures or by an appropriate smoke control system. As such, our Natural ADB Smoke Ventilation Systems aid in meeting these requirements.
Monitored by a central stair vent control unit, both our lobbied and un-lobbied smoke ventilation options include manual call points as standard, which on breaking, trigger the ventilation system in the event of an emergency. In addition, both systems include a power supply backup to ensure the reliability of the system in the event of total power failure both key requirements of Approved Document B.
Suitable for where extended lobby travel is required, the un-lobbied Smoke Ventilation System includes additional smoke detectors that automatically trigger the opening of the vents in the event of a fire.
As required by Approved Document B, both options also come equipped with a 1m2 louvered stair smoke vent to ensure adequate removal of harmful smoke, gases and fumes.
Which option is right for me?
The un-lobbied Natural Smoke Ventilation System is intended for use in small single-stair residential buildings with no lobby protection. This option is suitable for buildings that have no more than two apartments per floor to a maximum of four floors and each apartment has an internal protected hall.
The lobbied Natural Smoke Ventilation System provides protection for small, lobbied single-stair residential buildings where lobby travel distance is less than 4.5m.
For further information on how Natural Smoke Ventilation Systems can meet Approved Document B and to receive a free quote, please contact us on 01322 388830 or email support@inbuilduk.com
