AOV systems ventilate smoke and hot gases during a fire, helping with visibility for both occupants and emergency responders during an evacuation.
Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) systems are an important component of modern building fire safety. These systems are designed to automatically open windows, vents, or rooflights to remove smoke from a building in the event of a fire. The dispersal of smoke provides evacuees and emergency workers with breathable air and improved visibility along evacuation routes.
A lack of visibility and breathable air caused by smoke and hot fumes are typically the most dangerous aspect of fire emergencies to evacuating personnel. Automated venting and removal of fumes provides a safety net for your personnel and emergency workers even in the worst case scenario.
Let us tailor an AOV system that ensures your peace of mind, and secure your business with Brightfire Services. Contact us to begin safeguarding your premises today.
Brightfire Services offer compliance reviews of your current AOV system, strenuously evaluating the current effectiveness of your ventilation during a simulated emergency. Our expert team then offers consultations to assess potential flaws in the current AOV system, and devise a plan on how to begin upgrading your ventilation system.
Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your existing ventilation system.
Following the evaluation, recommendations are provided for improvements to ventilation.
Brightfire Services leverage the latest technology and our accredited industry insight to provide you with state-of-the-art AOV systems.
Common Questions.
An Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) system coordinates the ventilation of smoke and fumes out of a building during a fire emergency. AOV systems can be designed to open windows, vents, doors, and roof lights. AOV systems are typically triggered by smoke sensors and can be coordinated with a building's other fire alarm and evacuation system responses.
AOV systems aim to maintain a safer environment for longer during an emergency by removing smoke and noxious gases, and keeping temperatures safe. This has two important roles; maintaining viability of evacuation routes for occupants, and improving visibility and access for emergency services.
AOV systems are typically installed in areas that require clear and sustained evacuation routes, as well as enclosed areas and areas with increased fire related hazard risks, e.g. Gas storages. Large open, communal areas are also typically fitted with AOV systems to prevent buildup of smoke. Common locations include stairwells, corridors, atriums, and large rooms in residential, commercial, and public buildings.
Yes, traditional ventilation systems are required by building codes and regulations. AOV systems may be required for multi-floor buildings, buildings with complex layouts and buildings with uses that incur an increased fire risk. Brightfire Services consult local building codes and national regulations to work with you to achieve and exceed ventilation standards.
As with other automatic response systems, regular maintenance of AOV systems is necessary. It is recommended that AOV systems have one professional inspection per year, however, this will vary according to the specifications of the system and the manufacturer's guidance.
AOV systems are often integrated into the main safety and security network of a building. This helps to enhance the emergency response of a building through coordinating the opening of vents with other fire security and safety systems such as alarms, sprinklers and emergency lighting.