29 March 2024 (by email)
Minutes of the meeting of the Smoke Control Association
on Wednesday 27 March 2024
at the offices of FETA, Hare Hatch
Present
David Mowatt Chair IFC Certification Limited
Conor Logan Colt International Ltd
Phil Kirkham Elta-UK Limited
Chris Yates FETA
Simon Sheldon Fire Design Solutions Limited
Craig Manley Novenco Building & Industry UK Ltd
Nick Gray Powrmatic Ltd
Colin White Smoke Control Dampers Ltd
Anthony Munn Ventec 100 Ltd (TA) Vent Engineering
Simon Plummer Nuaire
David Brown Windowmaster Control Systems Ltd
Chris O'Connor D+H UK
Matt Dye Delta Ventilation t/a Delta Smoke Control
Michael Duggan Secretary FETA
Attending via Zoom
Samsud Wadi ADCB Limited
Chris Shepherd Adexsi UK Ltd
Adam Clare Air Design Systems Ltd
Paul Coxen Air Pressure Solutions
Andy Bartlett Belimo Automation UK Ltd
Robin Fraser Belimo Automation UK Ltd
Christina Kebbell BK Fire Ltd T/A LINK Smoke Control
Barry Corcoran Crossflow Airconditioning Ltd
Andy Cardy Flakt Woods Ltd t/a Woods Air Movement
Matt Evans GEZE UK Ltd
Roy Jones Gilberts (Blackpool) Ltd
Ricky Cook JLA Fire & Security Limited
Alan Zandie Nationwide Specialist Projects Ltd
Tony Breen Nuaire
Lee Carter Nuaire
Stuart Wheeldon Guest OPSS
Andrew Mowat Parking Ventilation Equipment Ltd
Robert Davison PSB (UK) Ltd
Richard Yeadon PSB (UK) Ltd
Jacquie Williams SCS Aftercare Ltd
Will Perkins SE Controls
Lorenzo Jones Ventec 100 Ltd (TA) Vent Engineering
Paul White Ventilation Fire Smoke Limited
Andrew Glover WEG (U.K.) Limited
Karen Andreassen Windowmaster Control Systems Ltd
Granville Harris Fire Design Solutions Limited
Dan Foster Fire Design Solutions Limited
Michael Crane Keystone Communications Ltd
Mike Backham BSB Engineering Services Ltd
Rob Davies Adexsi UK Ltd
George Ward JLA Fire & Security Limited
Mathew Beavington BSB Engineering Services Ltd
David Slater Nomico Electrical Co. Ltd
Muhammed Jaffer No company name recorded
Arjan No last name recorded No company name recorded
1 Welcome and introducing any new members or guests
If joining remotely members were asked (in the agenda) to please ensure their name was
correctly displayed as we use that for the minutes.
The FETA Competition Law Guidelines and the Guidelines to FETA committee
procedures are available on https://www.feta.co.uk/members-area/competition-law-and-
committee-guidelines. Attending the meeting will be taken as members' acknowledgement
of the guidelines' existence.
2 Minutes from last meeting on 25 Jan 2024.
The minutes are prepared in accordance with the Guidelines to FETA committee
procedures.
2.1 Approval for accuracy
Minutes are available to view/download at https://www.feta.co.uk/members-area/committee-
minutes.
The minutes were approved and a copy signed.
2.2 Matters arising not on this agenda
3 SCA consultancy by Keystone / Public affairs / Promotion /
Social Media / Webinars
3.1 Update from Michael Crane on his consultant’s work for the SCA since
October.
A report from MC was circulated by email ahead of the meeting and MC attended remotely
to go through main points at the meeting.
We can have an article in Fire Safety issue and MC feels there are more we can have.
With training taking centre stage in 2024 in SCA, the decision was taken not to continue with
the regular CIBSE columns which will be a saving of around £10,000 which can be spent on
training.
Fire safety event coming up.
Anthony Munn volunteered to help man the stand.
Social media is going well. LinkedIn is up to over 2000 followers.
MC will set up the stand the day before and dismantle on the final day.
Anthony Munn said the maintenance guide may be ready then.
The two agreed speakers at the Fire Safety Event have now sent MD their finished
presentation slides. The presentations are:
• An Introduction to Stack Effect & Wind Impacts in Relation to Natural & Mechanical Smoke
Ventilation Systems - Steven Attrill
• Common Mistakes in Smoke Ventilation (blocks of flats) – Sam Wadi
As they have not done one of these “SCA branded” presentations before we told the
speakers their presentation would now be reviewed/approved by the SCA Technical
Enquiries Committee (TEC).
Action: MD & TEC
3.2 Approving committee to review articles/presentations.
The Marketing WG is assisting Michael Crane with reviewing articles (CL will ask the Colt
Marketing person to join). The committee is working well.
4 SCA guides
4.1 Enquiries into the SCA
The Technical Enquiries Committee is in place and answering the technical enquiries we
receive. We still get enquiries asking for design advice on specific projects. For those, we
refer to the Members’ Directory where there is a “design” column.
The members of the technical enquiries committee are a great help to the secretary in
answering the many queries we are get.
4.2 SCA WG Powered SHEVs and VSDs
Will Perkins updated members on testing at BSRIA via email to Mike Duggan
The first test of the 30kw (36kW AOM) fan and drive was completed on 13th March.
Anecdotally, the equipment performed as expected with no issues.
The test date for the 5.5kW fan set is expected to be completed in the next couple of
months.
Once the second test is completed and BSRIA have issued the reports to the SCA, the
intention is for the WG to reconvene and start to produce an output report and agree
message format to promote the work carried out by the SCA.
4.3 Smoke Control Application Guide
The WG has stalled a bit. BSI has launched a new standard BS which cover the same
topics. Conor’s proposal is that we send BSI all the work that has been done so far. It was
agreed to disband the WG on Smoke Control Application Guide and for Conor to offer the
draft so far to the BSI technical Committee.
Action: CL
CL, ID, PW and other SCA members are on the BSI technical committee.
4.4 Service & Maintenance WG
The WG convenor, Lorenzo Jones, sent the final draft to Mike Duggan just before this
meeting. It was agreed MD should circulate the draft to members for a two-week comment
period, requesting comments by Monday 15 April (email sent 2024-03-24)
Action: MD
CY asked if the WG wanted to hold a webinar on it.
4.5 Measuring Volumes at Smoke Control Damper WG
Anthony Munn is leading this WG. Update on a revised test programme and some
additional work being carried out.
AM will send MD a summary of the last meeting for circulation.
Action: AM
4.6 SCA Working Group Part 9 Control Panels / Part 10 Power Supplies
Simon Sheldon updated on this work.
The WG has put a proposal to NFCC for feedback. They emailed SS the day before the
January meeting and they like what the SCA has done. They will put it to the fire engineers
for their review so we could expect feedback in 6 to 8 weeks.
The WG was waiting for a response from NFCC. They responded on 26
th
March agreeing
with the outline SS had prepared. Likely timescales could be 6-8 weeks to prepare a draft.
4.7 Re-evaluation of Smoke Control Switch Height Guidelines
Email from a member on 5 Feb refers – copy attached.
SS will review this topic in his WG
5 Installer Certification Scheme IFCC SDI 19
No further updates
6 Membership criteria forms
Following 3 reminders, we received all returned membership criteria forms for 2024, so there
does not need to be any sanctions imposed at this stage. However, with one week to go
there were still 5 members who had not made the return and two required additional chasing
with a day to go.
The chair is carrying out the annual audit of all 44 returns after this meeting (27 March).
6.1 Compliance statements
Conor Logan lead on Part - 1 on smoke curtains
Paul White/Lorenzo Jones lead on Part - 7 on ductwork
There was a meeting to discuss the SCA guidance on 18.11.2022
Colin White/Paul White lead on Part - 8 damper
Draft circulated on 26 Jan for a 2-week review
Interesting comments back from members. CW hopes to have a re-worked draft ready
for the next meeting.
In the January minutes WP proposed text to add a new para to SCA guide 8.3.1. The
intention is to use it in IFC SDI 19 certification.
6.2 SCA Complaints procedure
We received a complaint against a member on 7 February regarding non-compliant
products/systems being offered in online platforms. Using the SCA Complaints Procedure
document dated Jan 2022, the “Administration Officer” contacted the SCA member company
and at the time of sending the agenda the “complaint” was being worked on by them with a
resolution expected during early March and before the 30-day deadline (20 March) before
escalation would be required.
On 19
th
March we received another complaint relating to level of service and that is ongoing.
7 Grenfell Tower Inquiry
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s monthly Newsletters are available on
https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/. In the November newsletter it reported that “the
report will not be published before April, but the Panel hopes to be able to send it to the
Prime Minister before the next anniversary of the fire with publication soon thereafter.”
There were no Grenfell Inquiry newsletters at the end of Feb or March.
7.2 OPSS and Damper Discussions
Update from David Mowatt on OPSS project with assistance from SCA. The Dept of
Business & Trade is leading on this. It came out of the Grenfell Inquiry.
8 The Scottish Market
David Mowatt and Michael Crane met on 20 February to develop a plan for Scotland.
Michael Crane has set articles in progress about the situation and lack of SDI 19 take up in
Scotland.
9 Training
Chris O’Connor, Christina Kebbell and Morwenna Vinall can update on progress.
Meeting last week. Chris O’Connor updated work.
On Tuesday 2
nd
April all members will get a Survey Monkey survey which we want all
members to complete. Surveys back by 10
th
April.
The feedback will set us on 2 potential paths. About to set up SCA training company. This
will be scoped out after the feedback. This will be a level 2 qualification and will enable
Skills Cards.
Conor Logan, Simon Sheldon, Paul White, Lorenzo Jones and Anthony Munn offered to
review the course content.
10 Standards/Regulations
10.1 BSI/CEN reports
Will Perkins submitted the following update on standards ahead of the meeting
BSI FSH/025 Committee Update
FSH/025 meeting took place on 20
th
February 2024
• BS 7346-7: Components for smoke and heat control systems - Part 7: Code of practice on
functional recommendations and calculation methods for smoke and heat control systems
for covered car parks
New business case being prepared, to be submitted.
Committee lead [ID]
• BS 7346-8: Components for smoke control systems – Part 8: Code of practice for planning,
design, installation, commissioning, use and maintenance
Comments now received, collated and submitted to BSI for review.
Committee lead [WP]
• BS 7346-9: Components for smoke and heat control systems – Part 9: Smoke control for
escape routes in apartment buildings
Committee lead [NG]
The group had their first ad hoc meeting in advance of BSI appointing an editorial
project manager (imminent). The meeting was very constructive whereby every
member put across their thoughts on what the scope, relevant aspects needing
inclusion and outcomes should be or aim for. The group agreed the standard should
become the ‘go-to’ document for smoke control systems in residential buildings to the
point that fire engineers specify in their strategies that smoke control system be
designed in accordance with this standard. The group aims to essentially standardise
the SCA guide and also include calculation methods as consistent with the 7346
series.
• BS 7346-10 : Specification for powered smoke and heat control ventilators (Fans) working in
conjunction with Frequency converters over a range of operational speeds.
New business case submitted, awaiting approval from BSI.
Committee lead [WP]
• CEN TC191/SC1/WG2: EN12101-2
No Progress
• CEN/TC191/WG7: prEN12101-9 and EN12101-10
The working group continues to meet to develop schedules of Essential
Characteristics in preparation for a standardisation request under the CPR Acquis
process. It is likely to be several years before we see any standards.
• FSH/25/-/5 Smoke Fans Group
Simon Plummer is the new chair and will be approached to address the questions
raised by the
Smoke Control Association regarding the extract fan maintenance document.
• Revision of BS 8524 Active fire curtain barrier assemblies Part 1 and Part 2
Both parts have now undergone a final edit and all technical checks by the panel and
comments arising from that check have been resolved. All drawings and modifications have
been finalised. The drafts will be circulated for approval and in accordance to the BSI
standards process, will then be subject to a ballot.
The Door Hardware Federation questioned whether active fire curtain barrier assemblies fall
within the scope of EN 13241. No conclusion was reached.
10.2 Mechanical Smoke Shaft Performance
MD wrote to the 4 member companies of GPDA with the question on Testing of gypsum walls for
use as a smoke ventilation shaft on 17 January. We have had replies from SAINT-GOBAIN and
Etex Group and both David Mowatt and Colin White are meeting with Knauf on 11 March for
discussion.
Update on approach to GPDA and their 4-member companies on testing of smoke
ventilation shafts
The SCA wrote to the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) as the SCA had
become aware that gypsum walls may not be tested for use as a smoke ventilation shaft,
including the two primary types of fire-resistant gypsum walls used in UK construction;
symmetrical walls (e.g BG GypWall A206312) and asymmetrical shaft walls (e.g BG
GypWall Shaft G306035). These are often used to construct one or more sides of a smoke
shaft.
The GDPA replied asking that we contact the 4 members individually as they felt they would
not wish to discuss in front of their competitors.
I wrote in January asking if the company has tested their own gypsum walls, or shaft walls,
to withstand the negative pressures generated in a mechanical smoke extract shaft? Typical
thresholds for mechanical smoke extract ducts in fire conditions are -150Pa, -300pa, -500pa
& +500pa. Typical thresholds for mechanical smoke extract ducts at ambient temperatures
are -500pa, -1000pa & -1500pa.
We received replies from Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions and Etex Building Performance Ltd.
We also received an offer to meet with Knauf and that meeting took place with Mike Duggan
and Colin White on 11 March 2024 with Mandeep Bansal and Neil Brewer.
The suggestion from that meeting was:
• Mandeep suggested this is a GPDA matter as all GPDA members systems will function in a
similar way.
• It was felt “industry guidance” produced by SCA/GPDA was needed.
• Mandeep will mention to GDPA he had a direct meeting with the SCA
• We need to make contractors aware that these products are not tested or designed to be
used in pressurised systems and should not be used.
• MD to go back to GDPA to say from our approaches to members we have found a lack of
evidence to support requirements. There is an issue of systems being proposed that are not
suitable and we need to work together to create industry guidance. SCA needs GPDA help
to notify the relevant stakeholders not to use untested products.
In addition, on 13 March I received an email from Irek Starzyk from Crown House
Technologies in Kent who raised similar concerns, and concluded saying within BESA they
are considering to create a bulletin to emphasise this serious issue – and would SCA be
interested to contribute?
David suggested Colin White have a discussion. CW has explained that we will get back in
touch once the GPDA has developed a draft.
11 SCA Funds
11.1 SCA Consultants Fund
All current SCA members have paid their subscription.
Expenditure
Balance brought forward as at 01.01.2023
Subscriptions Income 2023
Consultants
£18,540.50
Events
£2,344.48
CIBSE
£9,904.00
Promotional
£3,510.00
Website
£542.80
IT Costs
£254.28
Other
£99.53
Totals
£35,195.59
Balance as at 14.12.2023
There have been a few enquiries to join the SCA but none have yet progressed to a full
application. Most of these need to do additional preparation before becoming eligible to
apply.
11.2 Estimated Budget for 2024
Because of the healthy position the fund is in, the SCA decided at the October ‘23 meeting
to leave the Consultant’s fee unchanged for 2024.
If costs for the training set-up are more than the surplus for this year, FETA can “bridge” the
SCA until the training company becomes self-sufficient in 2025/26.
Training providers. The survey will be asking if SCA companies would be prepared to offer
their trainers. Trainers need to be qualified to level 4 to deliver level 3 training.
12 Update on OPSS progress
Stuart Wheeldon, the Operational Policy Manager at the Office for Product Safety and
Standards is attending to give an update on OPSS progress and a discussion with members.
The Hackett report was the driver for OPSS becoming responsible for construction products
regulations from April 2021.
OPSS have reviewed 7 businesses on smoke control dampers. They got cooperation from
all seven, but they did find non-compliance in some areas of CoPs. The non-compliances
were found to be non-critical in nature, but were noted nonetheless, and reported back to the
7 businesses.
They are planning a programme of testing of smoke control dampers in the coming months.
There was a request in the Q&A for contact details for reporting allegations or to request
advice on guidance on the .gov.uk site. Contact details are as follows:
• Email: opss.enqui[email protected]
• Telephone: 0121 345 1201
• Post: Office for Product Safety and Standards, Cannon House – 4th Floor, 18 Priory
Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6PH
13 Managing Director Forum and FETA annual lunch
13.1 Managing Director Forum
The SCA MD Forum will meet on 11 April 2024 at the FETA lunch venue in London. 21 are
expected to the meeting.
13.2 FETA annual lunch
Places are just about full for the annual lunch taking place on 11 April 2024 at The Brewery
in London. Places are allocated on a “first come” basis. One space available on the SCA
table.
14 Dates of meetings in 2024
Wed 19 Jun, Wed 2 Oct
Placeholder invitations were issued in December/January to allow members to get the dates
in their calendars. The agenda and final meeting arrangements will then be issued as an
“update” to the Outlook invitation closer to the actual date.
The view from the SCA MDs Forum meeting in April 2023 was to hold at least one meeting a
year as a “physical only” meeting hosted by a member company without any remote
participation, but this hasn’t been agreed yet.
Members should check the notice/agenda for meetings which will be circulated three to four
weeks before the meeting as dates (and format) sometimes change.
Andy Bartlett of Belimo has offered to host a meeting at Belimo’s new Experience Centre at
their Belimo UK Offices in Shepperton (near Chertsey) for the 2
nd
October meeting. Andy
would like to offer a one-hour tour of Belimo’s Experience Centre after lunch.
15 Any other Business
CL reported that the new draft of BS 9991 now has a definition of an AOV. CL will provide
an extract.
Chair …………………………………..………………….. Date …………………
(for approval at next meeting)
Information for Item 4.9
-------------- copy of email from a member of the SCA to the Chair on 5 Feb -------------
I have today discovered a post on LinkedIn which was hugely positive about the SCA’s
Guidance on Smoke Control to Common Escape Routes in Apartment Buildings (Flats and
Maisonettes) guide which they scanned and posted in its entirety (is this allowed). However,
the poster highlighted the smoke control switch heights, recommendations being 1.8-2.0
metres to deter tampering. He agreed. However, I have not picked this up in the guide
before and it prompted me to reflect on our Switch height and a potential issue.
We consistently install these switches at no more than 1.6 metres off the ground and
normally at 1.4 metres. Our decision is rooted in ensuring that firefighters, and those
responsible for testing and maintaining these systems, can access them easily. It's a
practice that not only meets practical needs but is also in line with accessibility standards
outlined in various disability acts. Beyond regulations, it simply makes sense.
Given that the fire service does not impose height restrictions anymore and considering the
potential for SCA legal issues, I believe we should revisit these guidelines. Our aim should
be to enhance both safety and inclusivity. A firefighter at 5ft 5 I believe could struggle if a
switch is fitted this high.
There's also the issue of false activations by residents, which affects those firefighters who
need to use the system. This brings me to a critical point: if a smoke control system isn't
designed to prevent unintended activations (something many current systems account for),
doesn't the responsibility fall on the designers and installers for implementing a solution not
fit for purpose? In my view, addressing the root cause is more practical than placing
switches out of reach to some.