2026 GAHFM Technical Education Conference-Introduction to Smoke Ctrl

Introduction to Smoke Ctrl_Healthcare Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation introduces smoke control systems in healthcare facilities and explains their role in protecting occupants and supporting firefighters. Smoke can spread from a fire into other areas, threaten occupants through inhalation and burns, and compromise escape routes—especially stairs. Smoke control systems are designed to limit smoke movement and maintain safer conditions for evacuation and emergency response.<br /><br />Systems may be required in high-rise healthcare buildings, including stair enclosures serving occupiable floors more than 75 feet above the lowest fire-service access level. Atriums may also require smoke control, depending on applicable codes.<br /><br />Two common approaches are described. Stair pressurization supplies air to raise pressure in stairwells, reducing smoke entry while allowing doors to be opened with acceptable force. Atrium smoke control typically extracts smoke near the top of the space and introduces outside air at a low level to help maintain a clear layer.<br /><br />Key components include smoke-rated exhaust fans, low-level air inlets, detection and monitoring devices, firefighter control panels, pressure sensors, and—where applicable—relief dampers. Design should account for pressure differences, fire temperatures, stack effect, wind, weather, HVAC interactions, climate, system duration, and coordination among multiple systems. NFPA 92 is identified as a key reference; operation should last at least 20 minutes or 1.5 times the calculated egress time, whichever is greater.<br /><br />The presentation emphasizes documenting design objectives and criteria, acceptance-testing procedures, inspection findings, and system performance. Testing includes building inspections, component testing, acceptance testing, and ongoing periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance. Systems should be programmed for weekly self-tests, and dedicated systems should be tested at least twice annually.

Keywords

smoke control systems

healthcare facilities

stair pressurization

atrium smoke control

firefighter safety

occupant evacuation

smoke exhaust fans

NFPA 92

acceptance testing

inspection and maintenance