There are many advantages to using smoke extraction systems: they limit the spread of smoke, reduce temperature under the ceiling and extend time available for evacuation. Storage facility smoke extraction — when should a smoke extraction system in large-area buildings be used, and what requirements should the system meet? We are going to answer these questions hereunder.

Storage facility smoke extraction — regulations and fire resistance rating

Benefits of using smoke ventilation systems result directly from the Technical Conditions (Polish acronym WT), which should be met by both the building itself and the building location [1]. Smoke ventilation systems in single-storey production and warehouse buildings make it possible to:

Reduce the fire resistance rating of the elements of a building down to class “E” — if the fire load in the building is above 500 MJ/m2 in a fire zone with surface area greater than 1,000 m2. Using a smoke extraction system makes it possible to get the “E” fire resistance rating for the elements of a building (which means the baffles may be made of non-fire spreading materials without fire protection rating). This is an alternative solution to making space dividers with a higher fire resistance rating of at least EI 30 (exterior walls) and REI 30 (ceilings). Selected essential articles of the Technical Conditions are presented below:

1. It is admissible to adopt the “E” fire resistance rating for single-storey production and warehouse buildings with the fire load density not exceeding 500 MJ/m², provided that:

• All elements of a building are made of non-fire spreading materials;
• Automatic smoke extraction devices are used in the fire zones with a surface area greater than 1,000 m².

The elements of a building, according to its fire resistance rating, except as provided in § 213 and § 237, Section 9, shall at least meet the requirements specified in the following table:

A 100% increase in the fire zone surface areas in comparison with the requirements arising from § 228. For example, for a facility with a fire load density of 1,500 MJ/m² (without rooms with an explosive atmosphere) acceptable surface area of fire zones shall not exceed 8,000 m². Adding automatic smoke extraction devices makes it possible to extend the fire zones up to 12,000 m² ( 229), or even up to 16,000 m² (§ 230) for single-storey facilities made of non-fire spreading materials. Selected essential articles of the Technical Conditions are presented below:

1. Fire zones referred to in Section 1, in the underground parts of a building, shall not exceed 50% of surface area stated in the table.

• It is admissible to increase the surface area of the fire zones referred to in § 228, provided that they are protected by means of:
• Fixed automatic water fire extinguishers — 100% increase;
• Automatic smoke extraction devices – 50% increase.

1. When both types of equipment referred to in Section 1 are in use, it is admissible to increase the fire zones by 150%.

1. In a single-storey building or at the last floor of a multi-storey building, the size of the production and warehouse type fire zones, with the exception of car parks, can be increased by 100%, if the building does not contain any room with an explosive atmosphere, and if it is made of non-fire spreading elements, and if automatic smoke extraction devices are in use.
2. In a single-storey building, the size of production and warehouse type fire zones, with the exception of car parks, is not limited, provided that fixed automatic water extinguishers and automatic smoke extraction devices are in use.

Investments in smoke extraction systems in warehouses increase safety and limit possible losses due to fire. Bearing in mind that fires in large-area buildings may result in huge material losses, and consequently financial losses, the presence of smoke extraction systems in warehouses is necessary in order to carry out quick and effective rescue and fire fighting activities.