What is smoke clearance ?

Smoke control and smoke clearance are two closely related but distinct concepts in fire safety and emergency response. Smoke control refers to the measures taken to manage and control the spread of smoke during a fire event. It involves the use of mechanical systems and strategies to prevent the spread of smoke from the fire area to other parts of the building.Smoke control measures typically include the use of fire-rated walls and doors to create smoke barriers, pressurization systems to maintain higher air pressure in safe areas, exhaust systems to remove smoke from enclosed areas, and exhaust fans to aid in access. These measures are designed to limit the movement of smoke and heat through the building and prevent the spread of fire.

On the other hand, smoke clearance is focused on removing smoke from a building after a fire has been extinguished. Its purpose is to restore habitability and ensure a safe environment for re-entry. Smoke clearance techniques typically include natural or mechanical ventilation systems to extract smoke and introduce fresh air into the affected areas. These systems rely on temperature differences and air movement to naturally disperse smoke.

The role of smoke clearance is critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of building occupants and the effectiveness of fire suppression measures. Proper smoke clearance is essential for preventing fire recurrence and minimizing the impact of a fire event on building occupants and the surrounding area.

In summary, smoke control and smoke clearance are both important components of fire safety and emergency response. Smoke control focuses on managing the spread of smoke during a fire event, while smoke clearance focuses on removing smoke from a building after a fire has been extinguished. Both concepts are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of building occupants and the effectiveness of fire suppression measures.