Smoke removal in the staircase regulations

A fire protection system is an important element of every apartment block. The use of staircase smoke extraction systems is one of the basics of evacuation safety requirements, which protects the building against the harmful effects of high temperature, gases and fumes.

See our offer for staircase smoke extraction systems: https://www.gulajski.pl/systemy-oddymiania-klatek-schodowych/ We also encourage you to contact our fire protection system engineers: Tel/fax.: +48 (32) 236 30 05 . We will help, advise and install. For architects, we have ready-made designs of fire protection systems.

What are cage smoke extraction systems and why do they need to be used?

Properly located solutions of this type throughout the building vertical will affect the safety of the building’s residents in the event of a fire in a block of flats. The smoke extraction system of the staircases is designed to remove smoke and other harmful gases that are emitted from the burning building. Smoke dampers also reduce the thermal impact on the apartment block, thus protecting its structure and preventing excessive temperature increases. Smoke extraction systems for staircases affect the safety of evacuation of residents, but also rescuers.

Smoke extraction in staircases are sets of devices and installations that are designed to remove smoke and hot air from staircases in the event of a fire in a building. Their use is required in high-rise buildings, where staircases are escape routes.

During a fire, smoke and hot air accumulate in the stairwell, making it difficult or impossible to effectively evacuate the people in the building. Fire protection solutions Gulajski companies allow for quick removal of smoke and hot air, which allows for safe evacuation.

These systems are divided into three basic elements:

• Smoke outlets – special openings in the roof of the staircase, through which smoke and hot air are removed.
• Air inlets – places through which fresh air is introduced into the staircase.
• Fans – devices that provide forced air flow in the smoke extraction system.

Such fire safety systems are required in high-rise buildings, where staircases are escape routes, due to the need to ensure the safety of building occupants in the event of a fire. Their effectiveness depends on proper selection and design, as well as on proper operation and maintenance.

Smoke removal in the staircase regulations

Smoke extraction systems must work efficiently so that they perform their function in the event of an emergency. The manager or owner of the building is responsible for the timely inspection of smoke vents, so they should make sure that the dampers are inspected and their technical condition checked by specialists – at least once a year. The legal act that regulates this issue is the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 21 April 2006 (Journal of Laws No. 109, item 719).

The Regulation of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration on fire protection of buildings in chapter 4 § 15.1 indicates that in every place where people stay, fire protection must be applied, which will enable them to evacuate safely, just by installing smoke extraction systems or other technical and construction solutions ensuring smoke removal.

Legal basis – applicable regulations

The legal basis for the use of smoke extraction systems in buildings are technical and construction regulations, in particular:

• Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 12 April 2002 on the technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 296).
• Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 7 June 2010 on fire protection of buildings, other structures and areas (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1942).

According to these regulations, smoke extraction systems should be used in buildings of a specific volume and purpose, in which the fire protection requirement is required. These solutions are required in buildings with a height of more than 28 meters, where staircases are escape routes. The use of gravity ventilation in staircase smoke extraction systems is permissible, as long as it ensures effective removal of smoke and hot air from the staircase. Gravitational ventilation is based on the natural movement of air and requires appropriate selection and arrangement of air inlets and outlets, in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines.

In the case of using smoke extraction systems in buildings, it is necessary to remember about the need to comply with the requirements for the design, installation and operation of smoke extraction systems in order to ensure their effectiveness and safety of building users.

Smoke extraction of the staircase technical conditions

According to § 246 of the Technical Conditions, staircases must be equipped with smoke prevention systems or automatic smoke extraction devices activated by smoke detectors. In addition, stairwells should be equipped with smoke-proof doors to increase safety.

In the context of ensuring safety on escape routes, in accordance with § 207 of the Technical Conditions, staircases must meet certain safety standards. This includes allowing you to leave the building safely or stay in a safe place until a rescue operation is carried out.

Smoke extraction systems in stairwells are a key piece of equipment in many multi-storey buildings. Their presence and operation are regulated by national technical and construction regulations and fire protection regulations.

The objectives of fire protection, including smoke extraction systems for staircases, are specified in § 207 of the Technical Conditions. It is crucial to meet the requirements set out in this paragraph, especially in terms of the protection of escape routes. The idea is to create conditions that allow you to safely leave the building or stay in a safe place until the rescue operation.

In light of these requirements, stairwell smoke extraction systems should be automatically activated by a smoke detection system.

Other fire protection systems used together with staircase smoke extraction systems

In addition to staircase smoke extraction systems, other fire protection systems are also used in buildings to minimize the risk of fire or limit its effects in the event of its occurrence.

• Automatic fire extinguishing systems – used in rooms where there is a high risk of fire, such as warehouses, laboratories or data centers. These are systems that automatically activate fire extinguishing devices when a fire is detected.
• Fire alarms – installed throughout the building, inform about the detection of fire, which allows for quick response and evacuation.
• Fire suppression systems for ventilation – provide separate ventilation ducts for each room, which prevents the spread of fire and smoke.
• Emergency lighting – provides emergency lighting in the event of a power outage, which facilitates evacuation in the event of a fire.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems – detect smoke and exhaust gas, which allows for quick activation of alarm and evacuation systems.

Fire protection systems used together with staircase smoke extraction systems:

These systems, combined with efficiently operating smoke extraction systems in staircases, create a comprehensive fire protection system, ensuring the safety of the building and its users in the event of a fire. It is crucial to have these systems inspected and maintained regularly to ensure their effectiveness and reliability.

All of these systems are important for ensuring the safety of the building and its occupants in the event of a fire. In combination with efficiently operating staircase smoke extraction systems, they form a comprehensive fire protection system.

Smoke vents regulations

Smoke vents are a key component of staircase smoke extraction systems, which are essential for ensuring safety in buildings, especially those with a higher height. These dampers allow smoke and hot air to escape from stairwells in the event of a fire, making it easier to evacuate people in the building.

According to the Polish construction law, the manager or owner of the building is responsible for regular inspections of smoke vents. These inspections should be carried out at least once a year by specialists to ensure that the dampers are in good working order and are able to perform their function effectively in the event of a fire. The legal basis for the use of smoke extraction systems, including smoke vents, are technical and construction regulations. In particular, the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 12 April 2002 on the technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location, as well as the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 7 June 2010 on fire protection of buildings, other structures and areas.

What are the fire regulations for staircases?

Fire regulations for stairs are an essential part of building safety. These include various aspects such as dimensions, materials, placement, and additional safety measures. Here are some key points that are typically included in the legislation:

1. Width and number of stairs: Stairs to concrete must be wide enough to allow safe evacuation of people from the building. Depending on the purpose of the building and the number of people who can be in it, a specific minimum width of the stairs may be required.
2. Fire-resistant materials: The materials used to construct the stairs should be non-flammable or flame retardant to prevent the spread of fire.
3. Signage and lighting: Stairs should be clearly marked and properly lit so that in the event of a power failure or smoke, they are easily visible and accessible.
4. Railings and handrails: Railings and handrails are required to ensure the safety of users, especially in evacuation situations.
5. Escape routes: Stairs often act as the main escape routes, so they must always be accessible and unblocked.
6. Load resistance: Stairs must be designed to withstand the stresses of heavy use during evacuation.
7. Step spacing: The height and depth of the steps should be adjusted to ensure safe and comfortable use.
8. Anti-slip protection: Stair surfaces should be equipped with anti-skid protection to prevent accidents.
9. Regular inspections and maintenance: The stairs should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they are kept running and safe.
10. Compliance with local codes: Regulations can vary from location to location, so it’s important that the design and execution of your staircase comply with local building and fire codes.

Please note that these points are general guidelines and may vary depending on the laws of your country or region. It’s always a good idea to consult your local building and fire regulations for accurate information.

Staircase ventilation regulations – aeration of the staircase

Ventilation of the staircase is a key element of fire protection in buildings, and its functioning is regulated by specific legal regulations. The manager or owner of the building is responsible for the timely inspection of smoke vents, which are an integral part of the ventilation system. The review of these elements should be carried out at least once a year by specialists, which is regulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 21 April 2006 (Journal of Laws No. 109, item 719).

The Regulation of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration on fire protection of buildings in chapter 4 § 15.1 indicates that in every place where people stay, fire protection must be applied, which will enable them to evacuate safely, just by installing smoke extraction systems or other technical and construction solutions ensuring smoke removal.

The legal basis for the use of smoke extraction systems in buildings are technical and construction regulations, in particular the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 12 April 2002 on the technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 296) and the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 7 June 2010 on fire protection of buildings, other structures and areas (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1942).

According to these regulations, smoke extraction systems should be used in buildings of a specific volume and purpose, in which the fire protection requirement is required. They are required in buildings with a height of more than 28 meters, in which staircases are escape routes.

What are the fire regulations for maintaining cleanliness in stairwells?

Fire regulations on maintaining cleanliness in stairwells are crucial to ensuring safety in buildings. While the specific requirements may vary from country to country and local laws, there are some general rules that are commonly applied:

1. No blocking of escape routes: Staircases, as key escape routes, must always be free of any obstructions. This means that items that could hinder evacuation in the event of a fire must not be stored there.
2. Removal of flammable materials: Flammable materials such as cardboard, paper, fabrics or rubbish should not be stored in stairwells, which can be an additional source of fire or contribute to its spread.
3. Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning of stairwells is important to avoid the accumulation of dust and other materials that may be flammable or contribute to obstructions.
4. Good lighting: Providing good lighting in stairwells is not only important for safety in use, but also makes it easier to keep clean and identify potential hazards.
5. No smoking: Smoking in stairwells should be strictly prohibited as it poses an imminent fire hazard.
6. Alarm and fire extinguishing systems: Regular inspections and maintenance of fire protection systems, such as alarms and fire extinguishers, are essential and their availability should not be hampered by disorder.
7. Informing residents: Residents of the building should be regularly informed about the rules for maintaining cleanliness and order in stairwells and about the consequences of not following them.
8. Inspections and enforcement: Regular inspections by the relevant services can be carried out to ensure that fire regulations are followed.

Maintaining cleanliness in staircases and other areas of housing communities is offered by the Clean Master company from Silesia. The full offer can be found here: https://www.sprzatanie.e-slask.eu/sprzatanie-wspolnot-mieszkaniowych/ Clean Master specializes in comprehensive maintenance of cleanliness in the external areas of housing communities in various cities of Silesia, such as Katowice, Gliwice, Sosnowiec, Zabrze, Bytom, Ruda Śląska, Tychy, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Chorzów, Jaworzno, Mysłowice, Siemianowice Śląskie, Piekary Śląskie, Świętochłowice, and Częstochowa. They offer a wide range of services, tailored to the needs of both large and small properties.

Autor: Tomasz Matuszek; Dział Marketingu - Firma Gulajski