Part B
Fire strategy and design advice
Means of escape, compartmentation and fire strategy reports for new and altered buildings.
Design and approvalsView service
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Testing & commissioning
Smoke shaft leakage testing
A qualified tester measures the air leakage of smoke shafts in residential blocks against the criteria in the smoke control design specification, and reports the measured leakage for the design team and building control.
When you need it
Approved Document B describes smoke shafts used to ventilate the common corridors and lobbies of blocks of flats. There is no single statutory test for shaft leakage, so the test pressure and acceptable leakage come from the system design and specification. Industry guidance, such as the Smoke Control Association’s guidance on smoke control to common escape routes in apartment buildings, covers design, installation and testing.
Leakage matters because the smoke ventilation design allows for a limited amount of air loss through the shaft and closed dampers. Testing before finishes conceal the shaft makes any sealing easier.
What is included
Included
- Review of the design specification and the leakage criteria
- Temporary sealing of vents and dampers for the test
- Shaft pressurised with a calibrated test fan and leakage measured at the specified pressure
- Report comparing the result with the specified criteria
Priced separately
- Sealing or remedial work to the shaft
- Retests
- Commissioning of the full smoke control system by the installer
- Routine servicing once the building is in use
Your written quotation confirms the exact scope, what is included and any limits for your building.
What you receive
A test report giving the measured shaft leakage against the criteria in the design specification, for the design team, the smoke control installer and building control.
Sent as a PDF. We can send it to your building control body or agent on request.
Our reports and testing support the compliance process. Approval and completion decisions remain with your building control body: the local authority, a registered building control approver, or the Building Safety Regulator for higher-risk buildings.
How to prepare
- Smoke control design and specification, including the leakage criteria
- Drawings showing the shaft, vents and dampers
- Shaft complete, with openings formed and dampers fitted
- Access to the shaft head and every floor vent
- Mains power and safe access
- Your commissioning programme
Send what you have. Missing details will not stop an enquiry; we will tell you anything still needed.
How it works
Tell usChoose the service or describe the job.
Written quotationScope, deliverables and price, confirmed in writing.
We manage the workArranged and coordinated by RegulaBuild. Technical work is carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.
Your reportThe output named in your quotation, with any follow-up.
Questions
Which standard is the shaft tested to?
The criteria in your smoke control design specification. There is no single statutory test standard, so we confirm the criteria with the designer before testing.
What if the shaft leaks too much?
The report shows the shortfall and where leakage was found. Sealing and retests are priced separately.
Who looks after the system once the building is occupied?
The responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 must keep fire safety facilities maintained in efficient working order. Routine servicing is separate from this test.
Often booked with
Combine them in one quote request
Approvals
Completion evidence and handover
Gathering the certificates, test results and statements building control needs before it can issue a completion or final certificate.
Design and approvalsView service
Part B
Compartmentation surveys
Surveys of fire-stopping and compartment walls in roof voids, risers and ceilings.
Fire safetyView service
Where we work
Smoke shaft leakage testing across England
Request a quote
Discuss smoke shaft leakage testing
Start with this service and add anything else you need. If you are unsure, say so and we will advise.