The saying “smoke is more dangerous than fire” is true when it comes to building fires. The smoke from a fire can be more dangerous and cause more damage than the fire itself.
In commercial buildings, various plastics and chemicals can produce toxic substances when they burn, endangering people who breathe in the smoke. As the fire burns, these toxic substances release carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds such as cyanide, making it difficult for people to use the available oxygen.
While fire suppression systems are designed to stop the spread of flames and minimize damage, they cannot prevent smoke from spreading into areas such as vents and walls. To add an extra layer of protection, incorporating smoke deflectors into building design can help protect building occupants and minimize smoke damage.
Smoke deflectors, also known as smoke curtains and draft curtains, are used to contain and direct smoke. They are typically installed at the ends of stairs, in atriums, and other open or high-ceilinged areas. The purpose of smoke deflectors is to contain smoke during a fire in a building and prevent it from spreading to other areas. Smoke deflectors must be flame and fire resistant for at least one hour and can help building occupants exit the building during a fire. They also help reduce damage to the building and work in conjunction with other fire suppression systems.
- Efficient ventilation:
- Most buildings use ventilation to remove smoke from an area, but ventilation systems may not be very effective on their own. A smoke deflector traps smoke near the vents, making the ventilation system more effective at removing toxic smoke before it affects building occupants and damages property.
- Reducing building damage:
- Some materials exposed to smoke may continue to discolor or deteriorate long after the fire has been extinguished. The damage caused by smoke can be more extensive than that caused by fire, as smoke can reach areas untouched by flames. Smoke deflectors help to direct and contain smoke, reducing the materials it comes into contact with. As a result, less restoration and repair work is required after a fire, allowing businesses to resume operations more quickly and at a lower cost.
- Reducing health risks:
- During a fire, smoke causes more deaths than flames, and people can become disoriented or panicked, spending more time in the building and exposing themselves to more risks.
Smoke deflectors are often installed above stairwells, atriums, and other areas with high ceilings. Stairwells, in particular, are areas where building occupants may attempt to escape during a fire. If the stairwells fill with smoke, occupants may seek alternative exit routes or risk exposure to toxic compounds in the smoke, such as carbon dioxide and cyanide. - The use of smoke deflectors makes these areas safer for building occupants during evacuation. Smoke is kept away from escape routes, reducing the risk of smoke exposure to occupants.
This article was translated and taken from the page: Smoke Baffles .
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