VITRAL is at the forefront of providing solutions for ‘Full Life Safety Smoke Evacuation’ our SHEVs are now fully compliant with EN 12101-2 which has superseded the now obsolete BS7346; a feat as yet unachievable by many of our competitors.

If you have a project that requires smoke venting for Full Life Safety Smoke Evacuation, we strongly recommend you consult with us at the earliest possible stage to ensure your building will comply with the latest regulations. Please contact our technical office on 01223 499 000.

Please read on for more important information this subject...

What does this mean?

Our unique, pre-fabricated system complies with the Fire Engineer’s Fire Strategy for sight and breathing as set out by the Local Fire Authority. Utilising the VITRAL roof glazing system negates the need to install mechanical or propriety smoke ventilation for full life safety. 

What is a SHEV?

Smoke Heat & Exhaust Ventilator

Within EN12101-2 the process of smoke evacuation is referred to as SHEV’s.

What is EN 12101-2?

• EN12101-2:2003 is the European standard for smoke and heat control systems. 
• Part 2 is the “specification for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators”

In September 2006, after a 3 year harmonisation period, BS EN12101-2:2003 replaced BS7346:1991 as the UK’s product standard for Natural Smoke Ventilators – ALL PREVIOUS STANDARDS AND TESTS AND PRODUCT ASSOCIATIONS ARE MEANINGLESS.In the context of a glazed façade or glazed rooflight this means that any natural smoke vent needs to be approved to BS EN12101-2:2003.

It is no longer acceptable is to take a window or roof vent, add an actuator to it and call it a smoke vent.

Importantly, the way the standard is written means that the manufacturer will declare classes of performance against each annex. This is important as it puts the onus back on the designer to specify the correct product.

Please click on the Annex’s below for more information about the testing.

• Annex B – Cv values – determination of the aerodynamic free area
• Annex C – Reliability test
• Annex D – Snow load – opening test under load
• Annex E – Low ambient temperature test
• Annex F – Wind load test
• Annex G – Temperature resistance – heat exposure test