Smoke is dangerous:
It is a well-known fact that the most frequent cause of death in a fire is smoke inhalation. Fumes can lead to unconsciousness in just three breaths, and to death after ten.
These toxic fumes pose a serious risk, and that is why it is important to understand the invisible dangers of the "toxic-wins"; Hydrogen Cyanide and Carbon Monoxide.
Rob Schnepp, Chief of Operations at Alameda County Fire Department and Bobby Halton, Editor in Chief of “Fire Engineering” explains just how dangerous these toxins can be, in this extraction of a video made by Honeywell Safety:
For the full video click here:
What can be done about smoke?
When a fire breaks out in a building, whether a residential or an industrial one, it is necessary to extract the smoke in the fire zone in order to evacuate people and possible victims, to protect the building structure and facilitate fire-fighter access.
The correctly designed and installed smoke extraction system will do all of the above as well as delay or prevent flashover so that firefighters can quickly minimise damages to your equipment and inventory.
How smoke extraction works:
In the event of a fire, mechanical smoke extraction systems offer the ultimate in smoke control as they extract smoke from the building by making use of the following design elements:
Smoke extraction shafts
Fire dampers
Ductwork
Smoke vents
Smoke extraction fans
Smoke and heat extraction systems are also dependent on smoke being extracted from above a supply of fresh air from below.
Toxic fumes must be removed from the building as quickly as possible, and that is why these systems must be activated automatically (via smoke detectors) or manually (via RWA buttons).
Curvent International has experts that will help you plan and implement systems designed to extract smoke from emergency exit route and rescue access areas to keep them smoke-free. They will also provide comprehensive testing of fire prevention technical measures, extraction and ventilation units as well as shut-off devices.
Give them a call for a free consultation on 011 826 5959.