BSB Engineering

• Understanding the difference between a Fire Damper and a Smoke Control Damper This CPD provides an overview of the key differences between fire dampers and smoke control dampers, focusing on their roles, performance, and correct application within building services systems. It highlights that, while these products may appear similar, they serve distinct life-safety functions—fire dampers prevent the spread of fire, whereas smoke control dampers manage smoke movement as part of a coordinated system. The presentation also addresses the importance of correct specification, installation, and testing, emphasising the need to select products based on their intended application and verified performance standards. It introduces the relevant European testing and classification standards, as well as certification requirements such as CE/UKCA marking and Declarations of Performance. A further theme is the impact of the Building Safety Act, which has increased expectations around accountability, competence, and documentation. The CPD outlines how clearer justification of design decisions and adherence to tested solutions are now critical to achieving compliance and ensuring safety throughout a building’s lifecycle. Overall, the session aims to support professionals in making informed, compliant choices when specifying fire and smoke control dampers, reinforcing best practice and improving confidence in design and delivery. Understanding Basic Smoke Control and how this links to the principles of Building Safety Act and what you should be asking your smoke control experts. This CPD provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of smoke control in buildings and how these systems support life safety and fire strategy design. It explains how smoke behaves during a fire—rising rapidly, spreading at high level, and posing a significant risk to occupants—highlighting why effective smoke management is critical to safe evacuation and firefighting operations. The session outlines the core approaches to smoke control, including natural and mechanical ventilation systems, and how these are applied across different building types. It explores common system types such as smoke shafts, corridor ventilation, and pressurisation systems for high-rise buildings, demonstrating how air movement is used to guide and remove smoke in a controlled manner. A key theme is the distinction between smoke clearance and smoke control systems, emphasising that engineered smoke control requires a more detailed design approach based on fire size, building layout, and performance objectives. The CPD also highlights the influence of the Building Safety Act and current regulations, including the need for greater accountability, competency, and detailed documentation throughout the design and approval process. It reinforces the importance of aligning fire strategies, specifications, and system designs to ensure compliance. Overall, the session aims to give a clear, practical understanding of how smoke control systems work, the considerations behind their design, and the key questions to ask specialists, enabling better-informed decisions across projects.