AOV

Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) are a crucial element of a building's fire safety strategy, designed to automatically open in the event of a fire to facilitate the extraction of smoke and heat. Their primary purpose is to create and maintain a smoke-free environment along escape routes, improving visibility for occupants and enabling safer evacuation. They also assist fire services by providing clearer access for firefighting operations.

In the UK, the inclusion of AOV systems is often a key requirement for fire safety in commercial, public, and multi-occupancy residential buildings, particularly in common areas like stairwells and corridors. This is primarily driven by the overarching aim of providing clear and protected escape routes, as mandated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

How AOVs enhance safety:

Smoke Clearance: Rapidly remove smoke and hot gases from affected areas, preventing smoke logging and improving air quality.
Enhanced Visibility: By venting smoke, AOVs significantly improve visibility on escape routes, allowing occupants to navigate safely and quickly.
Reduced Heat Build-up: Releasing hot gases helps to control the spread of fire and reduce the risk of flashover, protecting the building structure.
Aid to Firefighters: Clearer conditions allow firefighters to locate the source of the fire more efficiently and undertake rescue operations more effectively.

We offer Maintenance & Servicing, consisting of regular inspections and servicing to guarantee the ongoing reliability and performance of your AOV system, crucial for emergency functionality.