During a fire, smoke moves rapidly through a building, making it one of the biggest threats to life and property. Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths, which is why every building should have a smoke ventilation system to efficiently remove smoke and heat. These systems are vital not only for fire safety but are also a mandatory part of building regulations across the UK.

What Is a Smoke Ventilation System?

A smoke ventilation system (or smoke control system) is an essential fire safety solution that removes smoke, heat, and toxic gases from buildings when a fire occurs. This controlled ventilation improves visibility, reduces temperatures, and supports safe evacuation.

Key benefits include:

  • Keeping escape routes clear for occupants
  • Reducing smoke build-up and structural heat damage
  • Supporting fire and rescue operations with better visibility
  • Meeting UK building regulation requirements for fire safety


    • Smoke Brochure preview

    The Main Types of Smoke Ventilation Systems

    There are two primary types of smoke ventilation solutions: natural and mechanical. Both are crucial for maintaining safe escape routes, reducing heat build-up, and assisting firefighters.

    1. Natural Smoke Ventilation

    Natural Smoke Ventilation uses the natural buoyancy of hot air to remove smoke through
    Roof Vents, Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs), or Façade Louvres. As hot smoke rises, it exits through these openings while cooler air flows in from lower levels. This airflow maintains visibility and breathable conditions along corridors and stairwells.

    Natural systems are commonly installed in stairwells, corridors, residential developments, and smaller commercial buildings. They offer a reliable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance method of smoke control.

    2. Mechanical Smoke Ventilation

    Mechanical Smoke Ventilation uses powered extract fans and a combination of components that generate a pressure differential to either remove smoke from critical areas within a building or stop it from spreading into them.

    Mechanical systems provide consistent performance regardless of environmental conditions, making them ideal for larger, multi-storey, or high-rise buildings, as well as car parks and complex structures. They maintain a clear air layer for evacuation and align with UK fire safety standards such as BS EN 12101 and Approved Document B

    With over 25 years of experience in the smoke industry, Teal Products offers trusted mechanical and natural solutions. Need assistance with your smoke ventilation system, please contact us today.

    Why Every Building Needs a Smoke Ventilation System

    Smoke ventilation is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s a critical safety feature that saves lives, protects property, and ensures compliance.

    • Saves Lives: Keeps escape routes clear, giving occupants vital extra minutes to exit safely.
    • Supports Firefighters: Reduces smoke and heat, allowing emergency responders to locate and extinguish fires more quickly.
    • Reduces Property Damage: Controls smoke movement to protect unaffected areas and reduce repair costs.
    • Ensures Legal Compliance: Smoke ventilation systems are a legal requirement under BS EN 12101, as referenced in the UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B). Systems must comply with BS EN 12101 and the BS 9991: Fire safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings.
    • Protects Reputation and Insurance Coverage: Demonstrates a commitment to fire safety, helping maintain insurance coverage and avoiding costly remedial work.

    Smoke Ventilation Fan Being Lifted Onto Building

    The TITAN 7 – Dual Fan Mechanical Smoke Extract Fan Set being lifted for installation onto the roof of the building.

    Where Smoke Ventilation Systems Are Commonly Installed

    Smoke ventilation systems are essential wherever people live, work, or gather. Common applications include:

    • Multi-storey residential buildings and apartment blocks
    • Commercial office buildings
    • Shopping centres, malls, and retail complexes
    • Car parks, warehouses, and industrial units
    • Hospitals, schools, and public buildings

    By controlling smoke movement and maintaining safe conditions, these systems protect occupants, reduce property damage, and ensure regulatory compliance.

    Ultimate Smoke Ventilation Guide

    Smoke ventilation is more than a technical requirement it’s an investment in safety, compliance, and peace of mind. Want to find out more regarding smoke ventilations, please view our Ultimate Smoke Ventilation Guide.

    Teal Products can help you find the right solutions for your project. Contact us today to explore our complete product range.