In a block of flats the smoke ventilation system keeps the stair and lobby clear enough for residents to escape and firefighters to get in. Since the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 the responsible person must check it monthly and keep the record. We service and repair AOV and smoke control systems across residential and commercial stock, and produce the reports that make the record straightforward.
Systems we maintain
- Natural smoke ventilation: automatic opening vents, roof vents and louvres with electric or pneumatic actuators.
- Mechanical smoke extract and pressurisation systems.
- Smoke control panels, standby batteries, smoke detectors and manual break-glass override points.
- Car park smoke clearance and impulse fan systems.
Servicing and reporting
A service visit tests every vent open and closed, checks actuator travel and fixing, verifies the control panel logic and standby battery, tests each detector and manual point, and confirms the interface with the fire alarm. The report lists each component with its result and photograph, so you can evidence the check to residents and the Fire and Rescue Service as the Regulations require.
Frequently asked
What do the 2022 Regulations require for AOVs?
In residential buildings over 11 metres, Regulation 7 requires the responsible person to carry out monthly checks of firefighting equipment including smoke control systems, record the results and make them available to residents and the Fire and Rescue Service. Annual servicing by a competent person remains the standard expectation under BS 7346-8.
Do you replace actuators and controllers?
Yes. Failed actuators, control panels, batteries and smoke detectors are the common faults. We carry stock for the main manufacturers and can upgrade legacy systems to modern controllers with fault reporting.
What does the report look like?
Our AOV report records every vent, actuator, control panel, detector, break-glass and battery, with the test result, photographs and any defects graded by risk. It is written so a Fire and Rescue Service inspector can follow it.
