As a critical part of your organisation’s fire safety strategy, automatic opening vents (or AOVs) work to reduce smoke and heat in the event of a fire.
By carrying out regular AOV maintenance and testing, you’ll not only make sure you can safely evacuate your building in the event in the event of a fire but stay compliant with the latest fire safety regulations. You’re legally obliged to keep smoke vents in good working condition, but with a partner like JLA in support, it shouldn’t feel like a hassle.
Understanding your obligations
When it comes to fire safety laws, fines (or worse) can be imposed for non-compliance. As things stand, British Standards BS 7346:8-1990, BS9999-2017, BS 5588:12-2004 and The Buildings Regulations Approved Document B (ADB) state that regular AOV maintenance is necessary. And following the recent Fire Reform Act, it’s your responsibility to make sure it happens.
Regular maintenance and testing should include weekly visual checks of smoke vents for signs of faults, misuse or vandalism, alongside monthly testing by a responsible person using manual controls. And if you do spot any faults through this testing, or have one reported by your building’s occupants, you should get things repaired quickly.
On top of these regular checks, AOV systems need to be serviced annually or bi-annually, with maintenance certificates kept and logged, by a specialist smoke control contractor. At JLA, we actually recommend bi-annual servicing for extra peace of mind, especially if you’re working in the social or hospitality sectors.
Servicing and maintenance support, 24/7
JLA is a contractor with the Smoke Control Association (SCA), and holds approvals from International Fire Consultants (IFC) and STI19 (part of IFC accreditation). This means we’re one of only 40 UK-based firms that are fully accredited by both bodies to design, install and maintain automatic smoke vents and similar systems.
Plus, if you choose Total Care – our all-inclusive package, specially designed for you – you’ll pay nothing upfront to benefit from new fire safety assets, and enjoy free installation with 24/7 emergency support. All for a simple monthly fee.
To find out more about AOV installation and servicing with JLA, please get in touch today.
Mark Bone
Operations Director Mark joined JLA in 2019 and now manages the delivery of turnkey fire safety and security systems designed to protect people, premises and critical assets.
Drawing on his extensive technical, commercial and customer service experience, Mark helps clients with everything from system selection and project planning to ongoing maintenance, ensuring they can navigate complex operating challenges.
In a shifting regulatory landscape, Mark also provides a wealth of safety-first guidance, with a particular focus on reducing risk and strengthening compliance across every site.
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