Importance of Certified Systems
Fire safety remains a paramount concern in building design, and recent guidance from the FIS and the Smoke Control Association (SCA) has reinforced the need for smoke shaft systems to be tested in accordance with BS EN 1366-8. This standard is designed to ensure performance in key areas such as smoke containment, structural integrity, and pressure resistance—critical factors for effective smoke extraction in high-rise and multi-storey buildings.
The FIS and SCA have highlighted that while traditional methods such as blockwork may provide fire resistance, they do not meet all the specific performance requirements of BS EN 1366-8. In particular, blockwork has not been tested for air leakage under pressure, a fundamental characteristic of a compliant smoke shaft. As such, its continued use in this application without the use of an additional lining may present challenges for meeting regulatory expectations.
To address these concerns, systems that have been explicitly tested and certified are increasingly being considered. One such solution is SpecShaft, developed by Specwall. This modular smoke shaft system is tested to BS EN 1366-1 and BS EN 1366-8 (duct C), and has been classified according to EN 13501-4, confirming its suitability for use in regulated smoke control strategies. It incorporates A1-rated panels and is installed by approved contractors, supporting consistent delivery and adherence to UK building regulations. The system is installed by an approved contractor and supported by professional indemnity design insurance, which provides an additional layer of assurance in both compliance and performance.
The SCA’s statement outlines the performance characteristics expected of compliant smoke shaft systems, including classifications of E (Integrity), I (Insulation), and S (Smoke Sealed), as well as pressure resistance of up to 1500 Pa for mechanical systems. In addition to these testing standards, it is important to note that Approved Document B explicitly requires smoke shafts to be constructed from materials of Class A1 reaction to fire rating.
As the industry continues to align itself with the principles of the Building Safety Act and Approved Document B, the need for proven, tested systems is evident. The limitations of blockwork in this specific application highlight the importance of selecting products that not only meet traditional fire resistance benchmarks but are also validated for smoke control and air tightness under pressure.
With increasing scrutiny on the compliance and performance of life safety systems, developers, designers, and contractors are advised to examine available guidance and consider certified alternatives such as SpecShaft when planning smoke control solutions.
