
Commercial Smoke Ventilation Systems: How They Work and Why They Matter
We explain how commercial smoke ventilation systems work, what regulations they must meet, and why they are essential for your building’s fire strategy.
The FDS Contracting News offer updates on recent legislation, look at the benefits or routine preventative maintenance and hopefully provides some value for building managers looking to maximise safety within their premises.

We explain how commercial smoke ventilation systems work, what regulations they must meet, and why they are essential for your building’s fire strategy.

Effective 30th April 2025, BS 5839-1:2025 is the new British Standard governing fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic buildings, replacing the 2017 edition. This updated code of practice provides comprehensive

Gateway Two, the Building Control approval stage for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act, was meant to ensure safety, however, it’s also created Gateway Two Approval bottleneck.

This guide outlines the key components, design principles, and installation considerations for modern smoke extraction systems, helping developers and contractors meet safety regulations and performance goals.

Smoke ventilation systems are critical to building safety. They facilitate safe evacuation for occupants and enhance access for emergency services in the event of a fire.

The design and certification of residential smoke ventilation systems have evolved significantly in response to regulatory changes and advancements in technology. This bulletin outlines the latest developments and best practices in this crucial area, emphasizing guidance from the Smoke Control Association (SCA).

Advanced smoke control systems require proper design to guarantee safety in high-rise buildings, particularly in densely populated UK urban areas.

FDS Contracting has successfully designed and installed a comprehensive fire detection and natural smoke ventilation system for a high-end residential development in West London for LJJ. The project, spanning multiple

The Smoke Control Association (SCA) has issued guidance on the maintenance of smoke control equipment, emphasizing its crucial role in fire safety. Regular upkeep of smoke ventilation systems ensures they

After nearly three years of dedicated effort, the Smoke Control Association (SCA) has released its long-awaited Guidance on Maintenance of Smoke Control Equipment (Rev 1.0, 2025). This comprehensive guide establishes