Smoke control system maintenance: your legal obligations
No matter how well equipment has been designed, manufactured, installed and commissioned, the possibility for failure cannot be ignored.
By law, the building manager is responsible for maintaining and ensuring the proper functioning of life safety equipment, such as smoke control systems. They must also ensure that these systems are kept in good working condition.
This is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (“RRO)”. You can download our 'Maintaining smoke control systems and the RRO' whitepaper for more information on how to stay compliant.
Furthermore, the DCLG Guides to the regulations suggest that "The smoke control system should be maintained by a competent person who is familiar with the fire engineering performance specifications of that specific system." Colt can advise you on the scope of these regulations.
The recent amendments to the fire safety regulations since the Grenfell fire have affected the responsibilities of the ‘Responsible Person’ in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO).
As of 23 January 2023, there will be additional duties that you will have to carry out if you own or manage a building with smoke control systems, particularly if it is a high risk or high rise residential building. We've written an informative blog to tell you how the new regulatory changes affect your responsibilities - learn more here.
The best way to guarantee that your systems will pass an investigative inspection is to hire a service provider that is third-party certified to SDI 19 and SDI 05 as a competent installer and servicer of active fire and smoke control systems. Colt was the UK’s first company to receive both of these accreditations.
To learn more about why this important and to understand how properly maintained smoke control systems keep people and buildings safe, read our 'Smoke ventilation system maintenance: what you need to know' blog.
We have also developed a useful 'Smoke Control Maintenance Checklist' guide that will help you understand exactly what tasks need to be carried out (and by who) throughout the year to ensure safety and compliance with the law. Download your checklist.
Keep up with the changing regulatory landscape
As part of the Grenfell enquiry and Dame Judith Hackitt’s report, these regulations are in the process of changing, with Colt being right at the forefront of understanding what the implications are for building owners and managers. As well as keeping our customers up to date on all the latest in regulatory updates and best-practice recommendations, we also have a host of blogs and other educational resources to help you stay compliant and keep your buildings safe.
Fully competent servicing
Colt was the first UK company to be certified to both IFC SDI 19 and SDI 05, demonstrating not only our competency in fire strategy, scheme design and installation but also our high standards of servicing.
Planned and regular maintenance can extend the life of an item,and reduce the likelihood of downtime. Such a program also may permit the equipment to be updated in line with the latest technological advances and standards.
Ensure your systems are following the latest maintenance regulations.
Are your systems safe?
Under the RRO, building operators and owners are required by law to provide suitable maintenance to ensure proper smoke control system functionality in an emergency.
The UK’s most competent smoke control servicer
Colt was the UK's first smoke business to be certified to both IFCC SDI 19 and SDI 05 as a competent installer and servicer.
Maintaining smoke control systems and the RRO
This whitepaper summarises those provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: SSI No.1541 (“RRO”) that relate to smoke control systems.
Government advice for owners of buildings with smoke control systems
What are the responsibilities of the ‘responsible person’ when it comes to smoke control maintenance? The Government has produced an important piece of advice to help.
Our Accreditations
Colt is the UK’s most highly accredited provider of smoke control service and maintenance. We were also the first UK company to be certified to both IFC SDI 19 and SDI 05, as a competent installer and servicer of smoke control systems.
Helping our customers save £millions
We have seen many cases of poorly trained or untrustworthy smoke vent servicing providers taking advantage of their customers over the years. Seek a second opinion from us to avoid the possibility of being significantly misquoted.