Smoke inhalation is one of the most common reasons that prevent occupants exiting buildings safely in the event of fire. Designed to assist in the removal of smoke, heat and toxic gasses from a building as quickly as possible, smoke and heat exhaust ventilation is a critical part of commercial building design.
In the event of a fire, NSHEV rooflights can automatically open in order to release the smoke and heat from a building. This helps to:
- Keep escape and rescue routes passable for longer
- Reduce the risk of personal injury
- Minimise property damage
While natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems are often associated with emergencies, their advantages can also be enjoyed on a day-to-day basis, as they can be used to increase the supply of fresh air into the building.
Polycarbonate dome rooflights, continuous rooflights, glass roofing systems and structural glazing can all be fitted with natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilation components, many of which are well concealed until opened. Options include opening modules and surface louvres. For SHEV rooflight installations on flat roofs, fall-through protection systems are also available.