Smoke Containment vs Smoke Management – An Overview 

Written by Michael Ventola

Smoke control systems are one of the most complicated and often misunderstood life safety systems within a facility, and rightfully so. It’s important to point out that a “Smoke Control System” is divided into two classifications per NFPA 92. Chapter 3.3.14 is Smoke Containment and 3.3.19 is Smoke Management. Additionally, post fire smoke removal systems are not life safety systems, but facility recovery systems used after the event. 

This article is not a fully comprehensive lesson plan on all of smoke controls nuances, rather a simplified introduction to foundational concepts used in smoke control. This framework enables further conversations to take place expanding these concepts through engaging discussions. 

Defining Smoke Control System: 
A Smoke Control System can be defined as an engineered electro-mechanical system that uses mechanical fans and dampers in cooperation with electronic monitoring and controls to produce pressure differences across smoke barriers which inhibit or facilitate smoke movement. These systems also include passive measures that prevent smoke migration from the area of origin to adjacent areas in the facility with the use of smoke barriers. A smoke-control system is used to achieve one or more of the following design objectives: 

-Inhibit smoke from entering stairwells, means of egress, areas of refuge, elevator shafts, or similar areas 

-Maintain a tenable environment in areas of refuge and means of egress during the minimum required evacuation time 

-Inhibit the migration of smoke from the smoke zone 

-Provide conditions outside the fire zone that enable emergency response personnel to conduct search-and-rescue operations and to locate and control the fire 

-Contribute to the protection of life and to the reduction of property loss 

Defining Smoke Containment and Smoke Management: 

Smoke Containment System: A smoke control method that uses mechanical equipment to produce pressure differences across smoke barriers. 

-Pressurization fans in stairwells and/or elevator shafts 

-Pressurization and/or Exhaust fans with Damper Control on floors, elevator lobbies and other predefined contained spaces. (Vestibules and Refuge Areas) 

Smoke Management System: A smoke control method that utilizes natural or mechanical systems to maintain a tenable environment in the means of egress from a large-volume space or to control and reduce the migration of smoke between the fire area and communicating spaces. 

-Smoke reservoirs or smoke sinks, unoccupied spaces 

-Roof hatch ventilation for smoke removal in high atrium spaces 

-Smoke exhaust fans in parking garages 

-Natural ventilation from open doors or windows (May be automatically operated) 

-Gravity smoke venting 

Understanding the Smoke Control design and installation process can be difficult with challenges at each phase of the project.  These systems are code mandated by IBC and based on occupancy type, architectural construction methods, occupancy loads and a variety of other factors. With no single entity or trade being solely responsible for the entire solution, the interdependency across all engineering disciplines and all installing trades is critical for a successful installation and functional system. 

The graphic below is an illustration of individual stakeholders that are required to coordinate amongst themselves for a properly engineered and installed smoke control system. Post fire smoke removal systems will have many of the same people involved but at a lesser degree during design, installation, and testing. 

It all starts with the architects building design. The facility must be designed for safety and for proper egress in the event of an emergency. IBC 909.4 mandates that a Rational Analysis be done by a licensed FPE and used during the smoke control system designed by the engineers of record. Once the structure shape, size and materials and RA are pinned down, the mechanical, electrical and life safety systems are designed by the contracted MEP firm selected by the owner. Coordinated efforts are made at this stage to develop a scope of work and specifications that clearly describe with great details the systems performance criteria along with materials to be utilized. At the later stage of this process, the Fire Protection Engineer and Authority Having Jurisdiction will be involved during the approval process.  Both parties are to ensure that proper engineering designs are being applied, codes are being met and the contractors executing the work are delivering the proper solution as specified. 

The installation, or execution phase of the system, is performed by several different trades either sequentially or concurrently during the projects construction.  Coordination between these trades is critical for timely completion of these complicated systems.  More importantly is the communication (RFI’s) that takes place between the project managers of each trade and the crews that perform the physical work. In the early stages of the project, cross functional meetings may not be as frequent early on. These meetings tend to increase towards the end of the project when Pre-testing, final testing and final commissioning takes place.  Specific milestone meetings at each major phase of the project are critical to keeping all trades coordinated with each other. Referencing ASHRAE’s Guideline 1.5 for the commissioning process of smoke control systems is highly recommended. These check points ensure everyone is moving in the right direction and has everything they need to complete their project scopes on time. 

In conclusion, we hope this framework enables further conversations to take place expanding these concepts through engaging discussions. Space Age Electronics is available for advanced education on this topic and would be happy to assist your organization in this regard. Future articles will expand on this complex topic helping the life safety community make better informed decisions for the products and services they offer.