Tall Buildings Conference 2024: Fire Safety in High-Rise Structures

One of the pivotal topics at conference was the design and implementation of smoke control systems in high-rise buildings. Effective smoke control is essential for ensuring safe evacuation routes and providing optimal conditions for firefighters during emergencies. Presentations at conference emphasised the need for evidence-based designs that comply with stringent safety standards.

Critical importance of pressurisation systems

Pressurisation systems are vital for maintaining safe environments in tall buildings. Properly designed, commissioned and maintained systems are crucial for a given tall building’s occupancy approval. These systems ensure safe evacuation and provide suitable conditions for emergency responders.

The Building Safety Act 2022 has significantly altered industry operations by imposing more stringent compliance requirements. This legislation promotes thorough and competent design and construction practices, in turn ensuring safer buildings. Despite progress, there remains a need to embed these practices into all design, installation and maintenance phases.

High-rise buildings (ie those over 50-60 metres tall) and high-risk buildings (ie those structures upwards of 18 metres) present unique design challenges. Conference highlighted the necessity for skilled professionals who understand both the designs and the competency required for effective smoke control.

The Building Safety Act 2022 mandates that responsible individuals comprehend the systems they design and install.

Technological advancements in pressurisation systems

Advanced technologies in pressurisation systems were a key highlight. These include self-adapting units, self-testing mechanisms and adaptive algorithms designed to efficiently handle large variations in air volume.

Such technologies have been tested and proven in independent laboratories, duly demonstrating high reliability and efficiency. These advancements ensure that pressurisation systems can adapt to the dynamic conditions within tall buildings, thereby enhancing safety and performance.

Addressing the stack effect

The stack effect, which itself is a significant challenge in tall buildings, was thoroughly examined at conference. The stack effect refers to the pressure differences within a building caused by temperature variations between the inside and outside air. This phenomenon can significantly impact the distribution of smoke and heat during a fire.

Addressing this issue requires an holistic approach and advanced solutions to ensure the effective operation of pressurisation systems.

Conference provided insights into optimising pressure distribution in order to mitigate the adverse effects of the stack effect, thus enhancing the overall safety of high-rise structures.

Recommendations for the industry

Conference concluded with several key recommendations aimed at improving fire safety in high-rise buildings: the early involvement of specialists, continuing education, holistic approaches to design and ensuring competency.

Engaging fire safety experts early in the design process ensures high-quality outcomes and minimises technical issues. In tandem, ongoing education and training for professionals is essential such that they can keep pace with evolving standards and technologies in the fire safety domain.

Considering all potential challenges in system design is necessary for successful implementation and compliance with safety standards, while all parties involved in the design and installation of fire safety systems must thoroughly understand those systems in order to ensure compliance and overall building safety.

A comprehensive four-page PDF with detailed conference insights is now available to view online. Understanding may be enhanced through video presentations on the stack effect in tall buildings, the Building Safety Act 2022 and smoke control systems in general.

David Fitzpartick is General Manager for SMAY Ventilation Systems in the UK (www.smay.pl/en)