Smoke Extraction

Smoke extraction systems, like any industrial extraction system, remove harmful contaminants from the air in the workplace. As the name suggests, these particular systems extract smoke. This protects the people and environment that might otherwise experience health issues and pollution damage.

According to Health and Safety Regulations, all employers must protect their employees with local exhaust ventilation systems. This means removing harmful particles, gases, and vapours from the breathable air – including smoke. A system for removing smoke is also necessary if there is a fire.

Smoke extraction systems can use a range of equipment, including ducting, flexible arms, and smoke extractor fans. They need to be able to extract hot smoke and leave escape routes clear. Combustion is a risk in many lines of manufacturing work, so smoke extraction is necessary.

If smoke is produced during a manufacturing process, it must be efficiently extracted to prevent the area from filling up with toxic fumes. Dust, smoke, and other vapours can be very dangerous when inhaled – especially in high volumes. They can also cause damage to the building and machinery.

In the event of a fire, hot smoke can quickly cut off sight lines and fill people’s lungs. It’s crucial to have a smoke extraction system in place that can prevent the smoke from building up, enough to allow the building occupants to escape and firefighters to access the building to put the fire out.

When hot smoke rises, it can also affect the structural integrity of ceilings/floors in extreme cases, increasing the risk of collapse. Directing the smoke through equipment that’s designed to contain and transport it can help to reduce this risk. Mechanical fans can improve extraction efficiency.

While ventilation systems allow air to move through a building, maintaining temperature and humidity, an extraction system captures harmful pollutants to prevent workers in the area from breathing them in. A smoke extraction system operates in a similar way to other extraction systems.

It typically involves a hood to collect the smoke near the source, extraction arms and ducts to carry it away, and filters to trap the harmful particles and only allow clean air through. These systems are often powered mechanically with fans to pull the smoky air in and expel the filtered air back out.

In accordance with health and safety laws, smoke control systems will usually include dampers that activate when they detect smoke. These close down to prevent smoke from circulating beyond fire barriers into the rest of the building through the extraction ducts or the main ventilation system.

The obvious primary benefit of smoke extraction systems is that they save lives. This type of equipment is essential for businesses to continue operating successfully, because:

• Employees will be healthy and productive

Maintaining air quality is important to allow workers to do their jobs properly without compromising their health. Breathing in smoke can cause serious health problems, preventing employees from working to their previous abilities. Higher absenteeism means slower manufacturing times, too.

• Businesses will be complying with the law

If your negligence does have a negative impact on employee health, you’re likely to have to pay compensation and deal with complex legal cases. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) is in place to prevent businesses from operating without proper employee protections.

• Machinery and products won’t be contaminated

Smoke and particles carried within it can cause damage to equipment and structures as well as people. If you allow it to clog and corrode machinery, this can shorten their working lifespan and lead to costly repairs or replacements. It can also pollute the products the machines are making.

BS ISO 21927-3:2021 is the code of practice for smoke and heat control systems in the UK. Facility managers must pay as much attention to this framework as architects and surveyors at the design stage. Employers must also comply with all Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations.

These cover the appropriate usage and control of chemicals, carcinogens, and biological agents, as well as general health and safety provisions. In England, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines COSHH regulations and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) requirements for extraction.

The exact specifications of a smoke extraction system should be tailored to the particular building and substances used/produced within it. Smoke extractor equipment must be the right type for the job, professionally installed, only operated with training, and regularly checked and maintained.